By Adekunle Williams and Adeyemi Adeleye
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for constitutional protection for journalists and their equipment to uphold human rights and align with international best practices.
Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, the NUJ National President, made the demand at the South-West Zonal Constitutional Review Conference held in Lagos on Saturday.
He noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the safety of journalists remains a critical, inseparable aspect of this fundamental right.
Abdullahi stated that attacks on journalists and independent media are systemic threats, not isolated incidents, undermining national progress and social stability.
He described attacks on media professionals as violations of fundamental freedoms meant for all citizens in a democratic society.
“We meet today at a decisive moment. A free and independent press is vital to transparency and accountability in any democratic society,” Abdullahi said.
He warned that media professionals now face growing dangers, including threats to their safety and a worsening economic climate affecting independent journalism.
Abdullahi stressed that journalists deserve constitutional protections to reinforce their right to life and liberty, especially while carrying out professional duties.
He said the absence of explicit protections encourages impunity, allowing attackers to go unpunished and worsening the suppression of press freedom.
“The time for action is now. This constitutional review must create a safer future for media professionals to work without fear,” he said.
Abdullahi added that National Assembly support for the proposals would reshape the media sector and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He said the proposal was more than a plea — it is an urgent strategic action to protect democracy and ensure a well-informed public.
Abdullahi reiterated that threats to journalists were broader societal problems, not just industry-specific challenges, affecting everyone’s stability and development.
He called for urgent consideration of a bailout fund to support innovation and sustainability in media organisations.
The NUJ president said the Media Bailout Fund would help secure independent journalism and acknowledge its essential role as a public good.
He added that fund management must be transparent and fully accountable, free from political interference or favouritism.
“An independent body, without government influence, must manage the fund to ensure it supports journalism, not political interests,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Funmi Sessi, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), demanded stiff penalties for states tampering with workers’ pensions or salaries.
Sessi said the constitution must include strong provisions to punish state governments that interfere with labour entitlements.
He also urged the committee to retain all labour-related matters under the exclusive legislative list for federal oversight.
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