Nigerian Journalists deserve better living conditions – Minister
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says Nigerian Journalists are working under the most difficult times and they deserve better working conditions.
Idris disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, saying that some Journalists had paid the supreme price in line of duties assured that they would work within the available government resources to better their lots.
“Peculiarity allowance for journalists is a contentious issue. However, we all agree that journalists need to be encouraged and have their dues.
“This is because, they are working under and during the most difficult times, and sometimes, they pay the supreme price just like members of our armed forces.
“Many a time, you see Journalists being embedded with members of the armed forces when they go to fight insurgents in the country and many of them come back with injuries.
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“You saw what happened recently in Zamfara, where a journalist lost his life because of the activities of bandits.
“These are not desirable things and every Minister of Information would want to see that this comes to an end,” Idris said.
He clarified that journalists are a part of the Nigerian state as well, noting that the nation has its own unique system for classifying workers based on their earnings and salaries.
The Minister highlighted that in order to understand why the government cannot simply target journalists for a salary hike, it is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of the line of work and make an effort to address them.
“I advocate that journalists should live better. I am also conscious of the fact that they operate within the confines of our economic boundary.
“It is, therefore necessary that we look, not in part, but in whole, that at the end of the day, we are also seen to be responsible citizens of the country,” he said.