The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the federal government to constitutionally protect media professionals and establish a media bailout fund as a way to support struggling independent media organisations across the country.

The NUJ’s National President, Comrade Alhassan Abdullahi, made this appeal on Friday during the South West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

Represented by the Ondo State NUJ Chairman, Leke Adegbite, Abdullahi highlighted the vital role of the media in spreading information, especially as a pillar of democracy, warning that threats against media professionals and outlets are not merely industry issues but threats to national stability that could weaken governance and social unity.

In his submission to the constitutional review panel, Abdullahi pointed to the rising threats to press freedom, journalist safety, and the financial viability of independent media outlets.

Referring to Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the press to hold the government accountable to the people, Abdullahi stressed that the media’s responsibilities in fostering transparency, good governance, and public participation in democracy must be safeguarded and bolstered through constitutional provisions.

He stated: “Journalists act as the fourth estate of the realm, holding power accountable, exposing corruption, and scrutinising government actions. When their safety is compromised, their ability to carry out this vital function is diminished,” he explained.

The NUJ also proposed including specific provisions in the constitution that ensure the safety and security of journalists and their equipment.

On economic issues, the NUJ president called for the establishment of a Media Bailout Fund aimed at privately owned and independent media outlets.

He explained that the financial struggles faced by many outlets, worsened by falling advertising revenues and increasing operational costs, threaten the survival of independent journalism.

“Independent media provide a platform for diverse opinions, enhance public discourse, and uphold editorial independence. A properly managed bailout fund would help shield media from commercial and political pressures, protect jobs, and support investigative journalism,” Abdullahi stated.

He emphasized that any bailout scheme must be transparent and accountable, managed by an independent body free from government influence.

Criteria for eligibility should be clearly outlined to ensure that only genuinely struggling, independent media organisations receive support.

The NUJ also urged Nigerian lawmakers to align the country’s press freedom protections with international standards, citing examples of democracies that use media bailout strategies to safeguard journalism as a public good.

However, Abdullahi urged the committee to take decisive action through the constitutional review to enable journalists to operate without fear and allow independent media to flourish.