HOS BACKS NUJ, FCTA CHAPEL PRESS WEEK, APPLAUDS WIKE’S REFORMS & WEIGH-IN ALLOWANCE APPROVAL.
By: Emmanuel Tortiv.
The Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has endorsed the proposed Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCTA Chapel.
Mrs Nathan gave the endorsement during a courtesy visit by the Chapel’s Executive Council (Exco), led by its Chairperson, Comrade Ngozi Uloma Ufomba.
Speaking on the proposed theme, “Tax Compliance and Good Governance in the FCT,” the Acting Head of Service described it as timely. It aligned with the administration’s priorities, noting that it addresses both governance imperatives and citizens’ responsibilities.
She emphasized the critical role of journalists in deepening public understanding of taxation, stressing that effective tax education remains essential to improving compliance and accountability.
“Many people do not fully understand the concept of taxation, yet they expect government services without questioning the funding sources,” she said.
She further noted a disconnect between taxpayers and civic responsibility, adding that even those who pay taxes often fail to demand accountability or protect public assets.
“Public infrastructure is funded by taxpayers’ money, yet acts of vandalism persist, with little resistance from citizens who should ordinarily safeguard these assets,” she added.
On the Chapel’s request for the creation of an Information and Communication Secretariat, Mrs Nathan expressed optimism, citing the precedent of recently established secretariats and commissions under the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
She commended the Minister’s performance, noting that ongoing administrative reforms and infrastructural development signal strong governance momentum beyond the expectations of many.
Earlier, the Chairman of NUJ FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, who led the delegation commended the FCT Minister and the Acting Head of Service for approving the payment of the weigh-in allowance to journalists.
She described the gesture as a critical incentive designed to compensate public sector journalists for extended working hours and operational demands.
According to her, extending the allowance to newly recruited officers will enhance productivity and strengthen service delivery across the FCTA.
Ufomba also reiterated the need for an Information and Communication Secretariat, arguing that it would provide a coordinated framework to manage the Territory’s expanding information ecosystem, driven by ongoing infrastructural transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Press Week Committee, Comrade Emmanuel Tortiv, called for the approval of specialized training on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism.
He noted that the initiative would equip media professionals with the competencies required to navigate emerging digital realities while upholding ethical standards.
Tortiv added that the choice of the Press Week theme reflects the Chapel’s commitment to supporting government efforts in promoting tax compliance as a foundation for sustainable good governance.
