Nigeria Union of Journalists Advances Life and Health Insurance for Media Professionals

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is advancing plans to provide practicing journalists nationwide with life insurance and comprehensive health insurance packages. This initiative aims to offer universal health coverage, reducing the high out-of-pocket medical costs traditionally borne by media professionals. Discussions with key stakeholders have progressed to an advanced stage, reflecting a strategic push to enhance journalists' welfare and professional safety ahead of the 2027 general elections. In addition to insurance provisions, the NUJ is developing strategies to improve journalists' remuneration and overall welfare within both public and private sectors. The union also emphasizes the importance of digital safety measures to protect media workers in an evolving technological environment. These efforts are part of broader union priorities to ensure the safety, dignity, and professional protection of journalists, especially in regions prone to heightened risks during election periods. The NUJ's recent joint session in Yola brought together national and zonal representatives to reflect on the union's 70-year history and plan for improved support structures. Regional leaders highlighted the increased risks journalists face before, during, and after elections, underscoring the critical need for safety prioritization. The session coincided with a tour of infrastructural projects in Adamawa State, showcasing government investments aimed at economic and social development. Officials detailed key infrastructure improvements, including road expansions, flyovers, and stormwater drainage systems designed to address long-standing flooding issues. These projects aim to enhance transportation efficiency, road safety, and community resilience. The NUJ delegation expressed approval of the developmental progress, noting it as a positive example of governmental commitment to grassroots development, which ultimately supports local journalists and communities alike. This combination of planned insurance coverage and broader welfare measures, alongside attention to infrastructural and digital safety concerns, positions the NUJ to better support journalists' professional needs. The approach reflects an understanding of the interconnected challenges faced by media professionals, particularly in contexts of electoral uncertainty and infrastructural limitations. The initiative may serve as a model for unions seeking to address comprehensive risk management for journalists.