The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone F, has called on the Federal Government to urgently address critical infrastructure deficits in the region, including the poor state of federal roads, while adequately funding the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate.
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The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Zone F Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The ZEC also 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.
According to the communiqué, such projects would ease transportation and economic activities in the region while helping to boost the revenue base of South-South states.
The Council expressed particular concern over the deplorable condition of federal roads linking Edo State and called for urgent federal intervention to rehabilitate the affected roads.
It also commended the governors of the South-South states for their ongoing developmental projects, urging them to sustain efforts aimed at improving infrastructure and the living conditions of residents.
NUJ commends Edo anti-crime strategy
The ZEC applauded the Edo State Government for what it described as its zero-tolerance approach to cultism and kidnapping, noting that the strategy had contributed to a significant reduction in crime in the state.
It called on other governors in the South-South to “borrow a leaf” from the Edo strategy in their efforts to combat insecurity and protect residents.
The Council also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for completing the Victor Attah International Airport and making it operational, including the commencement of direct flight operations from Uyo to Ghana.
It further praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for initiating and effectively implementing its Health Insurance Scheme, noting that journalists in the state had also benefited from the programme.
The ZEC commended the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, for maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists and promoting press freedom.
It described the police commissioner’s approach as an example of “professional Policing excellence” in protecting the rights and privileges of journalists and urged other police commands across the South-South to emulate the practice.
Bayelsa projects attract NUJ commendation
The South-South NUJ leadership commended the Bayelsa State Government, led by Governor Douye Diri, for its ongoing infrastructure development across the state.
The ZEC specifically highlighted the nine-storey Civil Servants Secretariat, various road projects and the ongoing construction of the 30,000-capacity stadium at Igbogene.
The Council described the stadium as a “fantastic legacy project” and urged the contractor handling the project to ensure its timely completion.
It also commended the state government’s efforts to improve electricity supply through the procurement and installation of gas turbines, noting that improved power supply would enhance socioeconomic growth and the well-being of residents.
The ZEC further welcomed the ongoing remodelling of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex, describing the project as important to effective and efficient legislative business in the state and calling for its timely completion.
Council raises alarm over environmental degradation
The NUJ Zone F expressed concern over environmental degradation, climate change and recurring flooding across the South-South region.
It called on the Federal Government to implement recommendations contained in environmental clean-up reports, address pollution, promptly release ecological funds and provide relief materials to communities affected by flooding and other environmental disasters.
The Council also urged state governments to adopt proactive measures to mitigate the consequences of climate change.
On public health, the ZEC called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulation of food production companies to ensure strict compliance with health and safety standards.
It also encouraged journalists to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups, health awareness programmes and participation in available government healthcare initiatives.
Call for adherence to NUJ Constitution
The Council commended NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, for his continued support to the South-South Zone and praised the leadership of the various state councils for their cooperation and solidarity in promoting excellence in journalism practice across the region.
It urged all state councils to strictly adhere to both the letter and spirit of the NUJ Constitution in the conduct of their affairs.
The ZEC also expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural remodelling and renovation taking place at the NUJ State Councils in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, encouraging other councils to emulate the initiative.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman, NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Aqua Douye Akpuruku, Acting Secretary, NUJ Bayelsa State Council and Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; Comrade Angese John, PhD, Zonal Secretary, NUJ South-South (Zone F); and Comrade Opaka Dokubo, Vice President, NUJ South-South (Zone F).
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