The Federal Government has been urged to implement a special salary structure for employees of government-owned media organizations in the country. This is in view of the prevailing economic realities and in line with global best practices in the media industry.
The Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare , Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara made the call during a media parley held in Katsina to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Radio Nigeria.
Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara who is the Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Katsina State Council and former Newsroom staff of the 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, while also promoting national unity and cultural heritage.
The traditional ruler also noted that journalists and other media practitioners work under demanding conditions round the clock including , weekends, public holidays, and festive periods, frequently away from the comfort of their families and loved ones.
Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara opined that the suggested special salary is not only necessary to adequately compensate them for the sacrifices and dedication, but 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 system across all zonal and FM stations of the Corporation across the country to enhance operational stability.
The traditional ruler also spoke of the need to fully digitize operations of Radio Nigeria in order to sustain its leadership position as One of Africa’s foremost radio broadcasting organisation.
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 seventy-five years.
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.
