The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has expressed concern over the rising costs of transportation and goods due to the high price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). At their recent monthly congress in Umuahia, the union proposed reducing working days for civil servants, arguing that this would alleviate the financial burden on those spending significant portions of their salaries on transport.
In a communique signed by Chairman Victor Ndukwe and Secretary Ikechuckwu Onuegbu, the NUJ noted that some states have implemented similar measures to ease economic hardship. The congress also commended the government for improving traffic flow at Isi Gate, while calling for action against alleged extortion by some taskforce members targeting tricycle operators.
Additionally, the union highlighted the plight of retirees from the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, urging Governor Alex Otti to address pension arrears owed for nearly a year. They encouraged pensioners to unite in their advocacy efforts and called on the state government to expedite the Modular Refinery project. The NUJ also requested the new Commissioner of Police, Isa Danladi, to maintain the improved security situation in the state.