From Muawuya bala Idris Katsina
NUJ@70: HOUSE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ON INTERIOR DEMANDS BETTER REMUNERATION FOR NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior and member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, has advocated an upward review of salary and allowances of Nigerian journalists in order not to fall prey to monetary inducement.
He explained that the members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm should be adequately remunerated with improved allowances by their employers because of their enormous sacrifices, resilience and valuable contributions to nation-building and growth.
In a statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by his Special Assistant on Media, Sardauna Francis, the lawmaker said both public and private media organisations in the country should prioritise the welfare of their employees.
He added that poor remuneration has, however, prompted a handful of journalists in the country to engage in the “Brown envelope” syndrome act, which is totally unacceptable and against the ethics of the noble profession.
To correct this imbalance and seemingly economic slavery, the FIRST DUJIMAN KATSINA has demanded the immediate evolution of media salary structure that is commensurate with the current economic realities in the country.
He said: “Nigerian Journalists are left at a crossroads in respect to survival, especially with a plethora of issues ranging from non-payment of salaries as when due, and even the salaries are not enough to take care of the basic needs of the journalists and their families.
“Therefore, there is an urgent need for upward review of salary and allowances of journalists by their employers. A good pay or salary is necessary for them so as not to fall prey to monetary inducement.”
He, however, tasked the media practitioners on professionalism and high ethical standards in the discharge of duties as the watchdog of the society.
Ahmed further reiterated that the Nigerian journalists must constantly recommit to the canons of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, balance, and other ideals that guide their profession.
He also urged the media to reflect on the deleterious effect of fake news, misinformation and disinformation while discharging their primary assignments.
Describing the media professionals as critical stakeholders in the nation’s democratic system, the legislator said they should help the government in guaranteeing peace, stability and progress of the country through their reportage.
