By George Ozalla
The Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed concern over worsening living conditions in the territory, citing rising fuel prices, prolonged water scarcity, poor electricity supply, delayed implementation of the new minimum wage and growing security threats as issues requiring urgent government intervention.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ FCT Council Congress held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Abuja.
According to the communiqué signed by Sharon Emephia, Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, members of the Congress deliberated extensively on developments affecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory and the wider Nigerian population.
The Congress noted that the persistent increase in the price of fuel continues to exert pressure on the cost of living and called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures to ease the economic hardship currently faced by citizens.
It also expressed worry over the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory and urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT to address the situation without delay in order to prevent potential outbreaks of communicable diseases associated with poor sanitation.
The Congress further decried the continued problem of irregular power supply across the country, particularly in the FCT, stressing that stable electricity is essential for economic productivity and the general well-being of residents.
On workers’ welfare, the Congress observed that the new minimum wage approved for federal government workers since last year is yet to be fully implemented and urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the process to ease the financial burden on workers.
Members of the Congress also drew attention to the resurgence of refuse heaps in parts of the Federal Capital Territory and called on the relevant authorities within the FCTA to ensure prompt evacuation and proper waste management in order to safeguard public health and maintain environmental sanitation.
The communiqué also raised concern over increasing cases of deforestation within the territory, particularly the indiscriminate cutting of Melina trees. It called on both government authorities and residents to promote tree planting and environmental conservation as part of efforts to address rising heat waves being experienced across the territory.
The Congress equally spotlighted the growing presence of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of Abuja and urged the Department of Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to take immediate steps toward their rehabilitation and proper care in the interest of public safety and human dignity.
On security, the Congress expressed serious concern over the increasing activities of criminal elements operating the notorious one chance robbery syndicates in parts of the Federal Capital Territory. It called on the Minister of the FCT, security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify security operations and adopt new strategies to curb the menace and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating policies and actions that promote good governance, public welfare and sustainable development, while urging relevant authorities to treat the highlighted issues with urgency in the interest of residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerians at large.
