President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has called for improved pay, insurance coverage, and pension plans for journalists across Nigeria.
Ajaero made this appeal during a courtesy visit to Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Abuja. He highlighted the significant role journalists have played in the fight for independence and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, lamenting that many journalists struggle to get their salaries paid.
The labour leader expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions in journalism, despite technological advancements enhancing the profession.
“The welfare of journalists is being neglected. While journalists advocate for everyone else, nobody stands up for them, not even their own colleagues.
“Journalists lack weekends, public holidays, and festive seasons. They work while others enjoy these breaks.
“Even when a journalist is dismissed or goes unpaid for a year, there is no outcry or coverage of such injustices by fellow journalists.
“I propose the establishment of a consultative mechanism to convene every two years, where negotiations with media employers can set a minimum wage for journalists.
“Additionally, journalists should have access to a pension after retirement and enjoy insurance coverage to improve their working conditions,” he added.
Ajaero emphasized that the non-payment of journalists’ salaries should be seen as a criminal offense and should not be tolerated. While acknowledging the challenges faced by publishers, he insisted this should not excuse them from fulfilling their obligations to employees, particularly in terms of salary payments.
