Edo NUJ seeks Weigh-in Allowance for media workers

BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has called on the Edo State Government to introduce a Weigh-in Allowance for media workers in the State Public Service in recognition of the peculiar demands of their profession.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s August Congress held at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City.

The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Edo State Chairman, Festus Alenkhe, and Secretary, Andy Egbon, while the Communiqué Drafting Committee comprised Aliu Ozioruva, Chairman; Famous Iguisi, Secretary; and Joe Erhahuyi, member.

The Congress said the allowance would take into account the nature of media work, which often requires journalists and other media personnel to work beyond conventional office hours, including weekends, public holidays and other odd hours.

According to the union, the proposed allowance would serve as an incentive to media workers and further boost their morale, commitment and productivity in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The NUJ noted that media workers in the public service perform duties that frequently require them to respond to events and assignments at short notice, regardless of the time or day, making their working conditions different from those of many other categories of public servants.

The Congress therefore urged the State Government to consider the demand as part of measures to improve the welfare and working conditions of media personnel in its employ.
The union also commended the State Government for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and other entitlements, as well as the release of promotions, urging it to sustain the timely payment of workers’ legitimate benefits.

The Congress, which deliberated on developments affecting the Council and the State, also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards the rehabilitation of federal roads in Edo State, while urging the State Government to step up the rehabilitation of deteriorating internal roads in Benin City.

It further commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for road and other infrastructure projects across the State, including the flyovers at Ramat Park and along Sapele Road by Adesuwa Road Junction.

The NUJ Congress expressed concern over epileptic power supply and estimated electricity billing in the State, urging the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to improve its services and ensure that bills are commensurate with actual consumption and supply.

The union also raised concerns over poor sanitary conditions around King’s Square and other parts of Benin City, calling for stronger enforcement of environmental sanitation laws.

It commended the State Government’s agricultural initiatives, particularly the procurement of farming equipment, but urged transparency and equity in their distribution, alongside training, financing, farm inputs and extension services.

On security, the Congress acknowledged the reported improvement in the security situation, particularly the reduction in kidnapping incidents, and urged the government and security agencies to sustain efforts to protect residents, businesses and visitors.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin, the union called on political parties, aspirants and their supporters to conduct peaceful, responsible and issue-based campaigns, while avoiding violence, hate speech, intimidation and character assassination.