In view of the prevailing economic State Council, and and in line with global best practices in the media industry, the Federal Government has been urged to implement a special salary structure for employees of government-owned media organizations in Nigeria,
The call was made by Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara mni District Head of Ketare, , Katsina and Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), State Council.
He made the call during a media parley held in Katsina to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Radio Nigeria.
The advocacy for a special media salary structure has gained widespread support over the years, championed by key stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as well as various media rights groups and civil society organizations.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara who was also a former staff of Newsroom of Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria FRCN Kaduna Station emphasized that media professionals provide essential services, often at great personal risk, in educating, informing, and entertaining the public, while also promoting national unity, peace, and security.
The Kanwa Katsina also noted that journalists and other media practitioners work under demanding conditions, including night shifts, weekends, public holidays, and festive periods, frequently away from the comfort of their families and loved ones.
According to him, the proposed special welfare package is necessary to ensure adequate compensation for the sacrifices, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by media workers, as well as to motivate them towards greater productivity.
While commending Radio Nigeria for its remarkable 75 years of broadcasting excellence, the NUJ Patron further advised the Federal Government to install solar power systems across all zonal and FM stations of the corporation to enhance operational stability.
He also appealed to both the Federal Government and the management of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to fully digitize its operations in order to sustain its leadership as one of Africa’s foremost radio broadcasters.
Journalists who attended the media parley expressed appreciation to the NUJ Patron for his continued concern and support for the welfare of media professionals. They also congratulated Radio Nigeria for maintaining high standards in broadcasting over the past 75 years.
