You Must Protect Journalists, Tackle Erosion, Pay Retirees, NUJ Tells C’River Govt

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – You must strengthen environmental protection, pay outstanding gratuities to retired public servants, support journalists’ welfare, enforce road safety regulations and uphold policies that promote sustainable development, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has told the Cross River State Government.

The resolutions formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s July 2026 Congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, where members deliberated on issues affecting the journalism profession and matters of public interest.

The Congress, presided over by the Chairman of the Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the welfare of journalists and commended the council’s efforts to support members facing health and personal challenges despite limited resources.

The union also appealed to the state government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist an ailing journalist receiving medical treatment.

Congress observed a minute’s silence in honour of veteran journalist, Mr. Francis Ogar, and extended condolences to his family.

On environmental issues, the union expressed concern over worsening erosion, environmental degradation and indiscriminate construction on drainage channels and environmentally fragile locations, warning that the trend poses serious risks to lives and property.

Congress urged the state government to “strengthen enforcement of environmental protection and urban planning regulations,” prevent illegal developments in high-risk areas, intensify environmental awareness campaigns and take urgent action to address active erosion sites before they deteriorate further.

The union also called on the state government to urgently revive the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), or introduce similar intervention programmes to protect vulnerable communities across the state.

The communiqué further condemned indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and waterways, describing the practice as a major contributor to flooding and environmental degradation.

On road safety, Congress expressed concern over the increasing cases of reckless driving by commercial dispatch riders and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps, the State Traffic Management Agency and other relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations.

The union appealed to the state government to expedite the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants, noting that many retirees depend on the benefits for their livelihood.

Congress also urged government to sustain the release of funds to clear the outstanding obligations.

On professional matters, members encouraged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by practising responsible, factual, balanced and public-interest journalism.

Congress further appealed to the NUJ National Secretariat to review the annual renewal system for the union’s identity cards with a view to making the process more affordable, convenient and sustainable for members.

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and accountability, the union pledged to continue working with government and other stakeholders to advance professional excellence, good governance and sustainable development in Cross River State.