NUJ FCT Renews Push For Journalists’ Village, Seeks Housing Reforms

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged the government and housing institutions to prioritise journalists in housing policies, renewing calls for the establishment of a Journalists’ Village in Abuja.

She made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message at the Africa Housing Awards 2025, an end-of-year housing industry event organised by the Housing Advocates Network in collaboration with Housing TV Show.

Addressing an audience that included the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Housing from Namibia, the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and key industry leaders, Ike described journalists as critical nation builders who promote accountability and good governance but often lack access to stable and affordable housing.

While commending the organisers for sustaining advocacy around affordable housing across Africa, she paid special tribute to the host and Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, for his advocacy on housing for journalists.

Comrade Ike also welcomed the delegation from Namibia, noting that their presence underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in developing innovative housing solutions across the continent.

Turning her focus to the welfare of journalists, the NUJ FCT Chairman called on the Federal Government and housing finance institutions, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, to design homeownership schemes tailored to media professionals.

“Journalists shape public discourse and promote peace and accountability,” she said. “Yet many who serve the nation tirelessly do not have stable homes.

“We appeal to institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank to see journalists not just as observers, but as partners in progress deserving of dignified housing.”

She disclosed that the NUJ FCT Council is rebranding its projects to deepen its engagement in housing advocacy and media empowerment, signalling readiness for stronger collaboration with government agencies and private sector players.

A key highlight of her address was a renewed call on the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to fulfil the long-standing promise of a Journalists’ Village in the FCT.

“You promised the Journalists’ Village, a beacon of dignity for journalists who expose truths and strengthen our democracy,” she said. “That promise ignited hope across newsrooms. Tonight, we make a passionate appeal that this dream should not be abandoned.”

She expressed optimism that with the backing of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the project could be realised by 2026.

“With institutional support, this village can rise, giving journalists stable homes and the peace of mind to focus on ethical reporting and nation-building,” Ike added.

The NUJ FCT Chairman called on journalists and stakeholders alike to work collectively to translate commitments into concrete outcomes.

“Our pens build nations,” she said. “Let us unite with leaders and partners here tonight to turn promises into structures. Together, we can roof Nigeria with progress.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji