In view of the prevailing economic realities 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 the Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council and District Head of Ketare, Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara during a media parley held in Katsina to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Radio Nigeria.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the advocacy for a special media salary structure did not start today. It has gained widespread support over the years.
It is on record that at various times, the advocacy was championed by key stakeholders including NUJ, the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as well as various media rights groups and civil society organizations.
The monarch who was hitherto a staff 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.
He 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.
The royal father who also served in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) before his exit with the rank of Comptroller further appealed to both the Federal Government and the management of 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 monarch for his continued concern and support for the welfare of media professionals.
They also congratulated the radio station for maintaining what they called “high standards” in broadcasting over the past 75 years.
