The Taraba state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for enhanced safety systems, deeper ethical reforms, and accelerated digital transformation across the country’s media industry. The call followed the conclusion of its 2025 National Media Summit held on Tuesday, November 18, in Jalingo, with the theme “Strengthening Media Resilience for National Development.”
The summit brought together journalists, academics, government representatives, security experts, and civil society groups from across Nigeria to examine the state of the media and outline solutions for strengthening press freedom and professionalism.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere, described the Nigerian media environment as increasingly challenging, citing insecurity, political fragmentation, digital disruption, and declining public trust. He stressed that ethical journalism remains vital to democracy, noting that “no nation can progress when its media is weakened by intimidation, lack of professionalism, or ethical lapses.”
Prof. Pate raised concern over rising threats to journalists, especially those reporting on elections, conflicts, and civil unrest. He urged media houses and the NUJ to prioritize safety by establishing insurance coverage, trauma-support mechanisms, and clear assignment protocols.
Delegates at the summit identified key obstacles affecting journalists, including harassment, violence, weak institutional protections, shrinking public trust, widespread misinformation, and poor welfare conditions. They emphasized the need for capacity-building in investigative journalism, digital reporting tools, fact-checking, and multimedia storytelling.
Commending Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas for partnering with the NUJ, participants noted that a strong and independent media is essential for transparency and accountability. They called for revitalizing safety and ethics committees, improving fact-checking systems, and discouraging the “breaking news syndrome” that prioritizes speed over accuracy.
The summit also adopted far-reaching restructuring plans for the NUJ, including the establishment of specialized digital media, training, ethics, welfare, and resource-mobilization units. Delegates endorsed the modernization of press centers nationwide and the rollout of upgraded welfare and insurance schemes for journalists.
They further expressed confidence in NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, praising his leadership in driving institutional reforms.
In their final communique, delegates reaffirmed the essential role of the media in national development and democratic consolidation, stressing that implementing the resolutions would strengthen safety, ethics, and professionalism across Nigeria’s media landscape.
