… Women journalists commend progress in roads and rail transport, call for improved sanitation, electricity supply, affordable housing for civil servants, and stronger action against insecurity.
By Chioma Vivian James
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has commended the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, while urging the administration to intensify efforts in environmental sanitation, affordable housing, electricity supply and public security.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Chapter’s Congress held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja.
The Congress, attended by members of the association across the Federal Capital Territory, reviewed issues affecting residents of the nation’s capital, national security concerns, as well as the welfare and progress of the association.
Members applauded the massive road infrastructure development currently ongoing across the FCT, noting that the projects have significantly improved connectivity between communities, reduced travel time and enhanced economic activities across the territory.
The Congress also praised the expansion and development of the Abuja rail transportation system, particularly the railway connecting the city centre to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. According to the association, the rail project represents a major milestone in modernising the capital’s transportation network and providing residents with a safer, faster and more efficient means of commuting.
While acknowledging these achievements, Congress appealed to the FCT Administration to pay greater attention to environmental sanitation. Members expressed concern over the growing presence of refuse dumps in parts of Abuja, especially around Jabi and other affected communities, stressing that effective waste management is essential to maintaining the city’s status as Nigeria’s capital.
The association further called on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to strengthen its supervisory and operational mechanisms to ensure more efficient and reliable electricity supply to residents and businesses across the FCT.
On security, Congress commended security agencies for the noticeable decline in incidents of the notorious “one chance” criminal operations within Abuja, describing the improvement as encouraging.
However, members maintained that sustained intelligence gathering, improved surveillance and stronger inter-agency collaboration remain necessary to completely eradicate the menace.
Congress also appealed to the FCT Minister to consider introducing affordable housing schemes specifically targeted at civil servants in the territory, noting that decent and accessible housing remains a critical component of workers’ welfare, productivity and social stability.
Beyond the FCT, the association expressed concern over the persistent challenge of kidnapping in parts of the country, it called on all security agencies to intensify efforts towards rescuing the abducted students from Oyo State and all other victims of abduction nationwide, while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture to better protect lives and property.
Reviewing the affairs of the association, Congress expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Executive Committee of the FCT Chapter under the leadership of Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang.
Members commended the Executive Committee for its dedication, purposeful leadership and commitment to advancing the objectives of the association while promoting the welfare of members.
In a unanimous decision, Congress passed a vote of confidence on the Bassey Ita Ikpang-led Executive Committee and encouraged it to remain united, focused and committed to delivering quality leadership for the chapter.
The Congress reaffirmed NAWOJ FCT’s commitment to promoting professionalism in journalism, advocating good governance, defending the public interest and contributing meaningfully to national development through ethical, responsible and solution-driven journalism.
