The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged lawmakers to enshrine protections for journalists and their equipment in the nation’s Constitution to uphold human rights and align with international best practices.
Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, the NUJ National President, made the demand at the South-West Zonal Constitutional Review Conference held in Lagos on Saturday.
He noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the safety of journalists remains a critical, inseparable aspect of this fundamental right.
Abdullahi stated that attacks on journalists and independent media are systemic threats, not isolated incidents, undermining national progress and social stability.
He described attacks on media professionals as violations of fundamental freedoms meant for all citizens in a democratic society.
He warned that media professionals now face growing dangers, including threats to their safety and a worsening economic climate affecting independent journalism.
Abdullahi emphasised that journalists deserve constitutional protections to safeguard their right to life and liberty, particularly while performing their professional duties.
He said the absence of explicit protections encourages impunity, allowing attackers to go unpunished and worsening the suppression of press freedom.
Abdullahi added that National Assembly support for the proposals would reshape the media sector and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He said the proposal was more than a plea — it is an urgent strategic action to protect democracy and ensure a well-informed public.
Abdullahi reiterated that threats to journalists were broader societal problems, not just industry-specific challenges, affecting everyone’s stability and development.
He called for urgent consideration of a bailout fund to support innovation and sustainability in media organisations.
The NUJ president stated that the Media Bailout Fund would help secure independent journalism and recognise its essential role as a public good.
He added that fund management must be transparent and fully accountable, free from political interference or favouritism.
In his remarks, Mr Funmi Sessi, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), demanded stiff penalties for states tampering with workers’ pensions or salaries.
Sessi said the Constitution must include strong provisions to punish state governments that interfere with labour entitlements.
He also urged the committee to retain all labour-related matters under the exclusive legislative list for federal oversight.
