NUJ FCT Laments Water Scarcity, Rising Fuel Prices, Delayed Minimum Wage Implementation
The Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, convened on Saturday, 14 March 2026, deliberated extensively on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the general state of affairs in the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large.
After careful deliberations, Congress noted the following concerns and resolutions:
1. Rising Cost of Fuel
Congress expressed concern over the continuous rise in the price of fuel and its attendant impact on the cost of living for Nigerians. The Congress therefore urged the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures that will mitigate the economic hardship currently being experienced by citizens.
2. Water Scarcity in the Federal Capital Territory
Congress observed with concern the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory. Congress called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, to urgently address the situation in order to prevent possible outbreaks of communicable diseases that may arise from poor hygiene caused by lack of water.
3. Epileptic Power Supply
Congress also decried the persistent problem of irregular power supply across the country, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory. Congress urged the relevant authorities to take urgent steps to stabilise electricity supply in order to improve economic productivity and the quality of life of residents.
4. Implementation of the New Minimum Wage
Congress noted with concern that the new minimum wage approved for Federal Government workers since last year is yet to be fully implemented. Congress therefore called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation process in order to alleviate the economic difficulties currently faced by workers.
5. Resurgence of Refuse Heaps in the FCT
Congress observed the re-emergence of refuse heaps in several locations across the Federal Capital Territory. Congress urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to take immediate steps to ensure the prompt evacuation and proper management of waste in order to prevent possible outbreaks of diseases and maintain environmental sanitation.
6. Deforestation and Environmental Concerns
Congress expressed concern over increasing cases of deforestation within the Federal Capital Territory, particularly the indiscriminate cutting down of Melina trees. Congress called on both government authorities and residents of the FCT to promote tree planting and environmental conservation as part of efforts to mitigate the rising heat waves currently being experienced across the territory.
7. Increasing Presence of Mentally Ill Persons on the Streets
Congress also raised concern over the growing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of the Federal Capital Territory. Congress therefore urged the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies of government to take immediate action to rehabilitate and provide necessary care for such individuals in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
8. Increasing Incidence of “One Chance” Robbery Operations
Congress expressed serious concern over the increasing activities of criminal elements operating “one chance” robbery syndicates across parts of the Federal Capital Territory. Congress therefore called on the Honourable Minister of the FCT, security agencies, and relevant law enforcement authorities to urgently restrategise and intensify security operations to tackle this menace and ensure the safety of residents and commuters within the territory.
Conclusion
Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, to continue to advocate policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare, and sustainable development.
The Council further called on relevant government authorities to treat the above issues with urgency in the interest of the health, safety, and well-being of residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians at large.
