NUJ FCT Urges Wike to Address Decaying Secretariat Infrastructure, Decries Harsh Living Conditions in Abuja

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene in the worsening state of infrastructure at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.

The appeal was a key resolution from the second Congress of the NUJ FCT Council, which held on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Delegates at the meeting voiced concerns over the poor state of the facility currently serving as the venue for their Congresses, labeling it unsuitable for a professional body operating at the heart of Nigeria’s capital.

The Congress urged Mr. Wike, widely known as “Mr. Project” for his infrastructural achievements across the FCT, to extend his attention to the NUJ Secretariat. They also appealed for his support in completing the long-abandoned NUJ Pentagon project—an ambitious edifice envisioned as a landmark for journalists in Abuja.

“The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We are earnestly appealing to the Honourable Minister to undertake a facility tour and see for himself the infrastructural decay we contend with. We believe that under his leadership, the Secretariat and Pentagon project can finally be transformed into a lasting legacy,” the Congress stated.

Beyond infrastructural concerns, the Union used the gathering to highlight several socio-economic issues affecting residents of Abuja and Nigerians in general.

Members decried the persistent power outages across the FCT, blaming the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for its inefficiency. They noted that unreliable electricity continues to stifle productivity and degrade the quality of life for many.

The Congress also expressed concern over the skyrocketing cost of telecommunications and internet data, describing it as an unsustainable burden on citizens. The Union urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate current billing systems and implement measures that ensure fair pricing and consumer protection.

Additionally, the Congress drew attention to the rising maternal mortality rate in the country, linking it to inflation and worsening economic conditions. It called on the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare, including prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal services, to alleviate the strain on pregnant women and curb preventable deaths.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of journalists and the public, the NUJ FCT Council pledged to continue its engagement with relevant authorities to address these pressing issues.