NUJ seeks protection, hazard allowance for journalists

Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council, has called on media organisations to protect journalists and pay them hazard allowance to enable them work diligently.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the council said its chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche, frowned on the poor response of some media owners regarding the safety of journalists in their establishments, in the face of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Ogbeche, who expressed worry over the non-provision of protective materials at media work places, urged media owners to make available safety kits such as masks, hand gloves, temperature guns and hand sanitisers.

The statement signed by secretary of the council, Ochiaka Ugwu, read in part: “Protective materials need to be in place at all media houses as well as field kits for journalists and other media workers. From reports from our members, some media organisations are lacking in these safety essentials and we will not permit such risky situation to persist.”

While commending journalists for being steadfast in their duties despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he urged them to also take personal responsibility for their safety.

The NUJ chairman called on all stakeholders and public-spirited individuals to donate safety kits to the union and other groups as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He urged Nigerians to intensify effort in observing social distancing, personal hygiene and laid down procedure.