The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for stronger safety measures, ethical reforms, and digital modernization in the media sector, following the conclusion of its 2025 National Media Summit held on Tuesday, November 18, in Jalingo. Themed “Strengthening Media Resilience for National Development,” the summit brought together journalists, scholars, government officials, security experts, and civil society stakeholders from across Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Prof. Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, described the current media landscape as “fraught with insecurity, political fragmentation, digital disruption, and declining public trust.” He stressed that ethical journalism remains central to democracy, warning that “no nation can progress when its media is weakened by intimidation, lack of professionalism, or ethical lapses.” Prof. Pate also highlighted the rising threats against journalists, particularly those covering elections, conflicts, and civil unrest, urging media houses and the NUJ to implement comprehensive safety protocols, including insurance, trauma support, and clear assignment guidelines.
The summit noted several challenges facing Nigerian journalists, including harassment and violence, weak institutional safeguards, declining public trust, the spread of fake news, and poor welfare and underfunding. Delegates also emphasized the need for training in investigative reporting, digital tools, fact-checking, and multimedia storytelling.
“Public confidence in the media is eroding, and the rise of misinformation and sensationalism threatens national cohesion,” Prof. Pate said. He urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in reporting, while also calling for stronger internal oversight within the NUJ.
Among the resolutions adopted, the summit commended Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State for his partnership with the NUJ, stressing that a vibrant media is essential for transparency and accountability. Delegates also called for the revitalization of safety and ethics committees, enhanced fact-checking, and the avoidance of the “breaking news syndrome,” emphasizing that verification must never be sacrificed for speed.
The summit further resolved to embark on a comprehensive restructuring of the NUJ, including the creation of specialized units for digital media, training, ethics, welfare, and resource mobilization, as well as the modernization of press centers and the introduction of robust welfare and insurance schemes. Delegates expressed confidence in the leadership of NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, praising his guidance in steering the union toward reform and modernization.
Concluding the summit, delegates reaffirmed the media’s critical role in national development and democratic consolidation, emphasizing that implementation of the resolutions would promote a safer, more ethical, and professionally resilient media environment in Nigeria.
