Journalists warn of looming public health risks, economic strain, and rising crime as living conditions deteriorate in Nigeria’s capital
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has raised a red flag over worsening socio-economic conditions in Abuja, warning that residents are facing mounting hardship driven by rising fuel prices, water scarcity, insecurity, and failing infrastructure.
The concerns were outlined in a detailed communiqué issued at the end of the Council’s Congress held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, where journalists undertook a comprehensive review of the state of affairs in the FCT and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on behalf of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Secretary Sharon Emephia said the Congress reached its resolutions after extensive deliberations on issues directly affecting citizens’ welfare and national development.
Fuel Price Surge Worsens Economic Hardship
The Congress expressed strong concern over the persistent increase in fuel prices, noting that the development has triggered a chain reaction across the economy. Transportation costs, food prices, and basic goods have surged, further squeezing household incomes.
The NUJ called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce economic relief measures, warning that continued inaction could deepen poverty levels and widen inequality.
Water Scarcity Raises Public Health Concerns
The Council also lamented the prolonged scarcity of potable water in several districts of the FCT, describing the situation as both alarming and unacceptable.
It urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to take immediate and decisive action to restore water supply, stressing that lack of access to clean water could lead to outbreaks of communicable diseases due to poor hygiene conditions.
Power Supply Remains Unreliable
On electricity, the Congress decried the continued epileptic power supply across the FCT, noting that unstable electricity is crippling small businesses and undermining economic productivity.
The NUJ stressed the need for urgent reforms and improved investment in the power sector to ensure stable and reliable electricity for residents and businesses.
Delay in Minimum Wage Implementation Criticised
The Congress criticised the delay in the full implementation of the new minimum wage for Federal Government workers, approved since last year.
It urged authorities to fast-track the process, noting that workers are increasingly struggling to cope with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Refuse Heaps Return, Threaten Sanitation
In the area of environmental sanitation, the Council observed with concern the re-emergence of refuse dumps across parts of the FCT.
It called on relevant agencies to intensify waste evacuation efforts and implement sustainable waste management systems to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain environmental hygiene.
Deforestation and Heat Wave Concerns
The NUJ also sounded the alarm over growing deforestation, particularly the indiscriminate cutting of Melina trees within the territory.
The Congress warned that environmental degradation is contributing to rising temperatures and heat waves, urging both authorities and residents to prioritise tree planting and conservation initiatives.
Rising Number of Mentally Ill Persons on Streets
The increasing presence of mentally ill persons roaming the streets of Abuja was described as a humanitarian and social concern.
The Council called on social welfare authorities to step up rehabilitation programmes and provide proper care and support systems for affected individuals.
“One Chance” Robbery on the Rise
Security concerns also took centre stage, with the Congress condemning the resurgence of “one chance” robbery syndicates targeting unsuspecting commuters.
The NUJ urged security agencies and the FCT administration to re-strategise and intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to curb the menace and restore public safety.
Call for Urgent Government Action
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that promote good governance, public welfare, and sustainable development.
It, however, emphasised that the issues highlighted require immediate and coordinated government intervention to prevent further deterioration of living conditions in the FCT and across Nigeria.
The NUJ FCT Council warns of rising hardship in Abuja, citing fuel price hikes, water scarcity, insecurity, and delayed minimum wage, and calls for urgent government action.
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