The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the state government to adopt more robust strategies to address the pressing issue of hunger and insecurity in the state, while also urging an end to illegal mining activities threatening public safety.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ Niger State Council Congress held on Wednesday, 24th July 2025, and presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu.
In its resolutions, the Congress acknowledged the efforts of the Niger State Government in its pursuit of the New Niger Development Agenda but stressed the need for a more direct intervention to alleviate hunger among residents. The union noted that despite the government’s infrastructural initiatives, there is a need for greater supervision of contractors handling major road projects to ensure timely completion. It also advocated for the patronage of local contractors to boost the state’s internal economy.
The Congress commended the state government for the injection of grains which led to a reduction in food prices. However, it emphasized the need to secure farming communities in Munya, Shiroro, Rafi, Mariga, Rijau, and other bandit-affected areas to ensure sustained agricultural activities. It further urged the government to support farmers with necessary inputs such as fertilizers and herbicides in line with the goals of the Niger Food initiative.
On the issue of illegal mining, the union expressed concern over the rising involvement of women and children in unregulated mining operations. It urged the government, in collaboration with security agencies, to intensify efforts to curb the menace and profile individuals involved to prevent criminals from exploiting the activity as a cover for crime.
The NUJ also charged the state government to regard professional journalists as partners in progress and to refrain from engaging unaccredited media practitioners who may compromise the image of the administration. The union condemned the activities of quacks in the media space and mandated its State Working Committee (SWC) to take decisive action against impostors parading themselves as journalists.
To further strengthen professionalism, a seven-member committee headed by Pastor Dan Amashingha was inaugurated to authenticate and revalidate NUJ membership, as well as evaluate requests for the establishment of new chapels.
In a related development, the Congress approved the hosting of a Media Summit and Press Week in September 2025. The event will serve as a platform for the union to present its position paper to the state government on enhancing information management in the state.
The meeting also featured the formal reception of the new Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Abdul Enenche.
Comrade Abu Nmodu assured him of the union’s readiness to collaborate with the Centre in achieving its objectives.
