From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Interior and member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, has called for an upward review of salaries and allowances for Nigerian journalists to protect them from financial inducement.
He emphasized that members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm should be adequately compensated for their sacrifices, resilience, and valuable contributions to national development.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Sardauna Francis, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ahmed urged both public and private media organizations to prioritize the welfare of their employees.
He noted that inadequate remuneration has driven some journalists to engage in unethical practices such as the “brown envelope” syndrome, which he described as unacceptable and a violation of professional ethics.
To address this issue, the First Dujiman Katsina called for the immediate establishment of a media salary structure that reflects the country’s current economic realities.
“Nigerian journalists are at a crossroads regarding their survival, with many facing delayed salaries and earnings that are insufficient to meet their basic needs and those of their families,” he said.
“Therefore, there is an urgent need for an upward review of salaries and allowances. Adequate pay is necessary to ensure journalists remain independent and are not susceptible to financial inducement.”
He also urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism and high ethical standards in their work, emphasizing their crucial role as society’s watchdog.
Ahmed further stressed the need for journalists to adhere to principles of fairness, accuracy, objectivity, and balance, while also being mindful of the dangers of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
Describing journalists as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic system, he called on the media to support the government in promoting peace, stability, and national progress through responsible reporting.
