Journalists march in Abuja to demand press freedom and better working conditions

Summary

• NUJ FCT Council leads “Walk for Press Freedom” as part of 2025 Press Week activities
• Over 200 journalists call for press freedom, improved welfare, and protection from harassment
• NUJ leaders urge unity in the profession and government support for media rights

Abuja, Nigeria — As part of the 2025 Press Week, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council held a peaceful march on 21 July in Abuja to advocate for press freedom, human rights, and improved working conditions for journalists. The event, tagged the “Walk for Press Freedom,” drew more than 200 participants.

Journalists marched from Berger Roundabout to the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Utako, holding placards bearing powerful messages such as “Without a free press, truth is silenced,” and “Censorship kills democracy — defend press freedom.” The demonstration formed part of the week-long activities themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society.”

Addressing the marchers, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson Grace Ike declared that a free press is essential and non-negotiable in any democracy. She emphasised the media’s role in fostering accountability, good governance, and the protection of citizens’ rights, particularly in a time marked by economic hardship and increasing threats to journalists.

NUJ Vice Chairman Ndambabo Yahaya reaffirmed that press freedom is a fundamental human right and the foundation of all other freedoms, urging stakeholders to work collectively in defending it.

Evelyn Onyilo, who chaired the Press Week planning committee, added that democracy cannot flourish without a free and independent press, stressing that journalists must be regarded as allies in national development.

Beyond the march, the NUJ organised a thanksgiving service at World Harvest Ministries in Jikwoyi and a free medical outreach for over 250 journalists in partnership with Nizamiye Hospital.

These activities is meant to reflect the union’s commitment to journalists’ welfare and ethical media practice, as well as its resolve to tackle growing challenges such as misinformation, economic constraints, and threats to press freedom.