The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, has revealed that practising journalists across the country may soon begin to enjoy life insurance and comprehensive health insurance packages.
He made this known in Yola during the two-day Joint Session of the NUJ National Working Committee and the North East Zonal meeting, hosted in the Adamawa State capital.
Comrade Yahaya said discussions with key stakeholders have reached an advanced stage, adding that the initiative aims to provide universal health coverage for journalists, reduce maternal mortality rates, and significantly cut down the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses in the profession.
As part of their engagement in Yola, the NUJ President and other delegates embarked on a tour of key infrastructure projects executed by Governor Fintiri’s administration. Comrade Yahaya commended the governor for the “laudable and impactful projects” across the state, describing them as evidence of purposeful leadership.
He further outlined new strategies being developed by the union to improve the remuneration and welfare of journalists in both public and private organizations, while emphasizing the growing need for digital safety in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Zonal Vice Chairman of the Union, Comrade Baba Zare, praised the national leadership for steering the NUJ through 70 years, expressing optimism that the meeting would yield meaningful results for journalists in the region.
Also speaking, the Adamawa State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim, said the gathering provides a timely platform for reflection, strategy and building a united front for the safety, dignity and professional protection of journalists in the Northeast as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
In his presentation titled “The North East and the Safety of Journalists,” media safety expert Dr. John Ngamsa underscored the need for journalists to prioritize safety before, during and after the 2027 elections, warning that the period often presents increased risks for media professionals.
