The NUJ FCT Council is warning members against unverified reports ahead of the 2027 elections

The NUJ FCT Council is warning members against unverified reports ahead of the 2027 elections

Goodness Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has warned journalists against publishing unverified political information, inflammatory content and materials capable of escalating tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Council also urged journalists to make greater use of the Union’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to resolve professional disputes between members rather than prematurely resorting to security agencies or other external institutions.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ FCT Council Congress held in Abuja in October 2026, where journalists deliberated on the state of the Union, the media profession and other important national issues.

Congress emphasized that journalists and media organizations have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical journalism as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

It urged practitioners to carefully verify political information before publication, to provide stakeholders with fair opportunities to respond to allegations, and to ensure that reporting is accurate, balanced, fair and in the public interest.

Congress specifically reminded members of the need to respect the NUJ Code of Ethics and other professional standards that guide the practice of journalism.

NUJ FCT praises welfare initiatives

Congress commended the leadership of the FCT Council under its chairwoman, Comrade Grace Ike, particularly for her interventions on issues affecting the well-being of members.

He recognized the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve members’ access to health insurance and other welfare initiatives.

A member of Congress expressed appreciation for the Council’s action on health insurance, noting that journalists are already benefiting from the initiative.

NUJ seeks greater youth participation and mentorship

The Congress called for greater participation of younger journalists in the union’s activities and urged the Council to develop initiatives that would attract more young professionals to Congress meetings.

Members also support structured mentorship programs through which experienced journalists can transfer professional knowledge, practical skills and ethical values ​​to younger professionals.

Congress said stronger mentorship would help prepare the next generation of journalists and promote professionalism within the industry.

Congress raises concerns over regulation of products manufactured in Nigeria

Congress also expressed concern over issues relating to the regulation and certification of products manufactured in Nigeria.

He highlighted the importance of effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection, while urging relevant authorities to ensure that regulatory processes do not unnecessarily hinder legitimate Nigerian producers.

The NUJ seeks stronger protection for NYSC members

In another development, Congress has commended Nigerian security agencies for efforts to rescue members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were reportedly targeted while on their way to their orientation camp.

However, members expressed concern over attacks involving young Nigerians participating in the national service program and called for stronger security measures to protect corps members traveling to and from deployment locations.

Congress maintained that the safety of NYSC members and other vulnerable Nigerian youths must remain a priority for the security authorities.

Congress adopts nine-point resolutions

At the end of the deliberations, the Congress decided to:

Strengthen adherence to professional ethics and responsible journalism;

Ensure thorough fact-checking of political and other sensitive reports before publication;

Promote the use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in the resolution of professional disputes;

Develop mentoring initiatives for younger journalists;

Support welfare interventions, including efforts to improve access to health insurance;

Encourage responsible use of social media and discourage cyberbullying and inflammatory content;

Promote balanced, fair and credible coverage of the 2027 electoral process;

Encourage relevant authorities to strengthen the protection of NYSC members and other vulnerable citizens; AND

Promote effective regulation and quality assurance of products manufactured in Nigeria without unduly hindering legitimate local producers.

Congress also resolved to continue to engage government agencies and relevant stakeholders on issues affecting journalists, the media and Nigerian society at large.

The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, professional journalism, the welfare of journalists, ethical standards and the public interest.