NUJ Chairman Seeks Improved Welfare for Journalists 

NUJ Chairman Seeks Improved Welfare for Journalists 

…advocates for implementation of Weigh-in allowances for Information officers, Pioneer Newspaper staffers

The Akwa Ibom State Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Nsibiet John , has called for improved welfare packages, good facilities, better Work tools and conducive working Environment for Journalists in the state.

Comrade John made the call during a Public hearing on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (2026-2028) held at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Uyo on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

The NUJ Boss appealed that special provisions should be captured in the yearly budget for journalists due to the high risks associated with the job.

The NUJ Chairman further appealed to the Executive especially Commissioners for Economic planning and his finance counterpart for the capturing of Weigh-in allowances in the budget of the Akwa Ibom State Government. This weigh in allowance is to be paid to Information Officers and Journalists who are Staffers. Of the Pioneer Newspapers.

“I have mixed feelings whenever I peruse the yearly budget of the state without seeing special provisions for journalists. I feel that welfare packages should be prioritised for Journalists because of the hazards involved in our work. I agree that staffers of certain government establishments are exposed to some benefits but I want to appeal that Information Officers in the Ministry of Information and Staffers of the Pioneer Newspaper should also be entitled to Weigh-in Allowances to help boost productivity.” This weigh in Allowance is not a dasmoney, but a hazard allowance”. He stated.

Comrade John also seized the opportunity to appeal for an upgrade of facilities especially in AKBC studios to ensure that workers can deliver on their assigned tasks.

He also poured encomiums on the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Development and Deputy House Leader, Dr Nsidibe Akata for facilitating the Public Hearing and opening doors for strong inputs from Civil Societies and other bodies.

Comrade John reiterated his position of ensuring that he builds a strong working and symbiotic partnership with critical stakeholders for which he said, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is critical.