The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has called on the state government to ensure that its planned housing estates are affordable for ordinary citizens.

The government recently announced plans to build four new housing estates in Umuahia, Aba, and Ukwa. While NUJ welcomed this initiative, they emphasized the need for transparency in the allocation process.

In a statement released after their February congress, NUJ leaders Chidi Asonye and Ikechukwu Onuegbu expressed concerns that past administrations had built houses that remain unoccupied due to high costs. They urged the government to learn from these mistakes and make the new housing estates affordable.

NUJ members also supported the state government’s partnership with NAFDAC to combat fake drugs and harmful products. They advised NAFDAC to arrest offenders and destroy seized fake items.

Additionally, the journalists called on the government to address the issue of pension payments and ensure that gratuities are paid. They also urged the authorities to provide fertilizers to farmers at the right time to boost agricultural production.

Lastly, the NUJ commended its leadership for meeting with the Abia State Commissioner of Police, noting that such engagement would strengthen the relationship between journalists and law enforcement.