By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Grace Ike, has warned that worsening welfare conditions and mental health challenges confronting journalists could weaken credible media coverage ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a two-kilometre walk, jog, and fitness exercise held in Abuja on Monday as part of activities marking the 2026 NUJ FCT Press Week, Ike stressed that journalists cannot effectively defend democracy while battling poor health, intimidation, and unpaid salaries.
The exercise, organised under the theme focused on strengthening democracy through responsible journalism ahead of the 2027 polls, was aimed at promoting physical and mental wellness among media practitioners who often work under pressure and demanding conditions.
According to Ike, journalists must begin to prioritise their mental health, noting that the profession has become increasingly stressful due to tight deadlines, harassment, and economic hardship.
“Press for mental health is all we are asking. We must make mental health a habit. Healthy journalists, strong democracy,” she said.
She explained that the walk through parts of Abuja was designed to draw attention to the importance of fitness and emotional wellbeing for journalists who play a critical role in holding leaders accountable and sustaining democratic values.
The NUJ chairman also decried the declining welfare standards in the media industry, citing poor remuneration, delayed salaries, workplace intimidation, and harassment as major challenges affecting journalists nationwide.
She noted that inadequate welfare packages were gradually killing creativity and reducing productivity within the profession.
Ike revealed that findings from a recent medical outreach conducted for more than 300 journalists exposed a worrying rate of hypertension among practitioners, with many unaware they were living with the condition.
“We are underpaid. When families are poorly catered for, productivity and creativity suffer,” she said while urging media organisations to improve salaries and prioritise better working conditions for journalists.
She further cautioned journalists against spreading fake news, disinformation, and unethical reports as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.
Ike also criticised aspects of the Cybercrime Act, arguing that some of its provisions have increasingly been used to target journalists. She urged media practitioners to remain professional, accurate, and balanced in their reportage despite mounting pressures.
She called on Nigerians to reject misinformation and attacks on journalists, insisting that responsible journalism remains essential to protecting democracy in the country.
