The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the state government to intensify efforts on urban security and accelerate the completion of critical road infrastructure projects, warning that lapses in both areas continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and the state’s economic stability.
The appeal was made during the union’s monthly congress held on Monday at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna.
In a communiqué signed by Chairman Usman Sani, Secretary Ango Bally, and member Lola Seriki-Idahosa, the journalists expressed concern over the rising insecurity in urban areas, particularly in flashpoints within the metropolis and surrounding communities.
While acknowledging the recent launch of the Kaduna State Taskforce on Urban Crime, the union urged the government to adequately equip and sustain the initiative, noting that criminal activities still force residents, including journalists, to operate in fear, with many altering their daily routines to avoid attacks.
The congress, presided over by Council Chairman Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, also highlighted the deteriorating state of key roads as a compounding factor in the region’s security and economic challenges. It emphasized that dilapidated roads slow emergency response and isolate vulnerable communities, making them more prone to criminal infiltration.
Among the road projects identified for urgent intervention are the Kabala Costain–Nuhu Aliyu Road (Barnawa), Television Garage–Sabon Tasha, Sabon Tasha–Unguwan Gimbiya–Juji Road, Kakuri–Nasarawa, and Kabala West–Hayin Nariya Road.
In addition to infrastructure concerns, the union called on Governor Uba Sani to revisit and reinforce previous Almajiri and Tsangaya education initiatives as a strategy to curb the rising number of out-of-school children and street beggars. The NUJ attributed the growing crisis to entrenched poverty, limited access to education, and social exclusion, and advocated for expanded enrolment campaigns and family livelihood support schemes.
Despite these pressing issues, the NUJ commended the Kaduna State Government for improving relations with the media, describing the collaboration as a welcome development that strengthens democratic governance. It also praised the administration’s achievements, particularly the successful hosting of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, during which several legacy projects were commissioned.
These included a 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, three Skills Acquisition and Technology Centres in Igabi, Zangon Kataf, and Soba local governments, the deployment of CNG-powered vehicles, and newly completed roads.
The union further congratulated Governor Uba Sani on his recent national honour as Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), recognizing it as a testament to his contributions to governance. It also honoured former Kaduna military governor Colonel Dangiwa Umar (rtd) and Senator Shehu Sani for their roles in advancing democracy in Nigeria.
As part of its internal restructuring, the council announced the formation of several committees, including an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to uphold professional standards, a Press Centre Management Committee, a Credentials Committee to oversee a bye-election for the position of Treasurer, and an Expanded Welfare Committee to enhance member support.
Members were also reminded to pay their professional dues promptly to ensure the smooth operation of union activities at all levels.
The congress received updates on the NUJ National Secretariat’s ongoing efforts to secure full accreditation for the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) programmes from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and formal affiliation with the University of Maiduguri.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism, the union pledged to continue advocating for press freedom, journalists’ rights, and public policies that promote peace, development, and democratic progress in Kaduna and beyond.
