2027: NUJ FCT Council tasks journalists on fact-checking and professional ethics

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called on journalists and media organizations across the country to uphold the highest standards of professional and ethical journalism as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s October 2026 Congress held in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by the Communique Drafting Committee comprising Princess Joy Idam, Gift Chapi Odekina, and Funke Ishola.

During the deliberations, Congress urged journalists to exercise strict caution in gathering, verifying, and publishing political information to avoid spreading content capable of inciting tension or undermining democratic processes.

Members were particularly advised to fact-check allegations before publication and ensure all parties are given a fair opportunity to respond.

Princess Halima Jubril, while addressing the Congress on political coverage, cautioned journalists against cyberbullying, inflammatory social media posts, and unverified reports that could expose practitioners and their media organizations to legal or professional liabilities.

On internal dispute resolution, Congress expressed concern over members taking professional disagreements to external security agencies.

It urged practitioners to instead utilize the Council’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to handle disputes within the Union.

The Congress also highlighted member welfare, commending the FCT Council leadership led by Comrade Grace Ike for its interventions, particularly the implementation of an ongoing health insurance scheme that members are already benefiting from.

To ensure continuity in the profession, the Council called for structured mentorship programs to help experienced journalists transfer skills and ethical values to younger members.

Furthermore, the Congress raised concerns regarding the regulation and certification of locally manufactured goods.

A member, Felix Ojo questioned the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in quality assurance, prompting the Council to advocate for clearer coordination among regulatory agencies to protect consumers while supporting local manufacturers.

Additionally, the Union praised security agencies for rescuing targeted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members traveling to their orientation camp, urging authorities to sustain and strengthen protection for corps members and young citizens across the country.

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism, the NUJ FCT Council resolved to continuously engage government bodies and stakeholders to safeguard the public interest and ensure a peaceful electoral environment ahead of 2027.