Press Release
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South (Zone F) Zonal Executive Council has called on the Federal Government to adequately fund the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and urgently address critical infrastructural deficits across the region.
The NUJ leadership specifically urged the Federal Government to prioritise the operationalisation of seaports in the South-South, completion of the East-West Road and construction of the proposed Coastal Highway, stressing that the projects would ease transportation, stimulate economic activities and expand the revenue base of states in the region.
The council made the demands in a communiqué issued at the end of its Zonal Executive Council meeting held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The communiqué, signed by Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman, NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council and Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Aqua Douye Akpuruku, acting Secretary, NUJ Bayelsa State Council and Secretary, Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Angese John, Ph.D., Zonal Secretary, NUJ South-South (Zone F); and Comrade Opaka Dokubo, Vice President, NUJ South-South (Zone F), expressed concern over the deplorable condition of federal roads linking Edo State, urging the Federal Government to urgently intervene.
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It commended the Edo State Government for its zero-tolerance approach to cultism and kidnapping, noting that the strategy had contributed to a significant reduction in crime, and called on other South-South governors to emulate the initiative.
The Zonal Executive Council also commended the governors of the South-South states for their ongoing development projects.
Particularly, it praised Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for completing and operational using the Victor Attah International Airport and commencing direct flight operations from Uyo to Ghana.
It also applauded the Akwa Ibom Government for initiating and effectively implementing its Health Insurance Scheme, which has enabled journalists in the state to benefit from the programme.
The council further commended the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, for maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists and promoting press freedom through professional policing and protection of the rights and privileges of media practitioners. It urged other police commands across the South-South to emulate the Akwa Ibom example.
In Bayelsa State, the NUJ Zone F leadership commended Governor Douye Diri for the construction of the nine-storey Civil Servants Secretariat and other ongoing road and infrastructural projects across the state.
It described the ongoing 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene as a major legacy project and urged the contractor to ensure its timely completion.
The council also praised the Bayelsa Government for improving electricity supply through the procurement and installation of gas turbines, saying the development would enhance socioeconomic activities and improve the wellbeing of residents.
The union equally commended the ongoing remodelling of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex and called for its prompt completion.
On environmental challenges, the council expressed concern over environmental degradation, climate change and recurring flooding across the South-South.
It called on the Federal Government to implement recommendations contained in environmental clean-up reports, tackle pollution, release ecological funds promptly and provide relief materials to communities affected by flooding.
The union further urged state governments to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the consequences of climate change and protect vulnerable communities.
The NUJ Zonal Council also called for stronger regulation of food production companies to ensure strict compliance with health and safety standards.
The body encouraged journalists to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups, health awareness programmes and participation in government healthcare initiatives.
The council urged all NUJ State Councils in the South-South to strictly adhere to the letter and spirit of the Union’s Constitution in all their activities.
It thanked the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, for his continued support to Zone F and commended the leadership of the various State Councils for their cooperation and solidarity in advancing professionalism and excellence in journalism practice across the region.
The council also appreciated the infrastructural remodelling and renovation of the NUJ State Council secretariats in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, encouraging other councils to undertake similar initiatives.
