COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY CONGRESS OF THE NUJ DELTA STATE COUNCIL, HELD AT NUJ PRESS CENTRE ASABA

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, held its monthly Congress on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba. The Congress was presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe.

Congress deliberated extensively on critical socio-economic, infrastructural, environmental, educational, and security issues affecting Delta State. In line with the Union's role as the conscience of society and advocate of public interest, members assessed these developments against the principles of good governance, public accountability, rule of law, and citizens' welfare.

After exhaustive deliberations, Congress resolved as follows:

RESOLUTIONS

1. Proliferation of Substandard and Unauthorized Billboards

Congress observed with concern the increasing erection of substandard, poorly engineered, and unauthorized billboards and signages across major urban centres, particularly Asaba, Effurun, and Warri.

Congress noted that this trend poses serious safety hazards, undermines urban aesthetics, and contributes to revenue leakages.

Accordingly, Congress calls on the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) and other relevant authorities to intensify regulatory enforcement, remove defective structures, and ensure strict compliance with approved standards.

2. Misuse and Congestion of Flyovers

Congress expressed concern over the conversion of flyovers in Asaba, Warri, and Effurun into makeshift motor parks and markets by tricycle operators and street traders.

Congress noted that these flyovers were constructed at enormous public expense to ease traffic flow and improve urban mobility. Their misuse not only defeats this purpose but also exposes road users and traders to avoidable accidents while diminishing the aesthetics of the environment.

Congress, while acknowledging the modest effort of the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro in this regard, urges relevant government ministries, departments, agencies, and security authorities to reclaim these public assets, enforce traffic regulations, and provide designated trading locations where necessary.

3. Illegal Local Government Taskforce Operations on Federal Roads

Congress strongly condemned the activities of individuals and groups operating under the guise of Local Government taskforces on federal roads, where they harass and extort motorists.

Congress observed that such activities amount to illegal taxation, impede commerce and investment, and are inconsistent with constitutional provisions governing the powers of Local Governments.

Particular concern was expressed over reports from Udu Local Government Area, where such activities allegedly persist despite claims that they are not officially sanctioned.

Congress therefore calls for the immediate disbandment of all illegal road taskforces and urges relevant government and security agencies to take decisive action against offenders.

4. Escalating Insecurity Across the State

Congress noted with grave concern the rising incidence of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities across Delta State.

While commending security agencies for ongoing efforts to combat crime, Congress emphasized that citizens, including journalists carrying out professional duties, increasingly face security threats.

Congress therefore urges the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence-led operations, enhance community policing initiatives, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to restore public confidence and guarantee the safety of lives and property.

5. Poor Implementation of Summit Resolutions

Congress decried the recurring pattern whereby resolutions reached at major public summits are rarely implemented.

Referring specifically to the recent Delta State Security Summit, Congress stressed that summits should not become mere ceremonial events or platforms for rhetoric.

Congress therefore calls on government and relevant stakeholders to establish clear implementation timelines, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability frameworks for resolutions emerging from such engagements.

6. Extortion of Traders and Market Women

Congress condemned the harassment and extortion of traders and market women by individuals masquerading as revenue collectors and taskforce operatives.

Congress reiterated that only duly authorized government revenue agents operating with official documentation and designated government payment channels possess the legal authority to collect revenues.

Congress therefore calls on market associations, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and security agencies to protect traders from exploitation and ensure that Local Government Councils do not encourage or tolerate such illegal practices.

Congress, however, commended the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, for proactively tackling the menace by apprehending and exposing fake taskforce operators. Congress urged other Local Government Councils to emulate this example of accountability and transparency.

7. Weak Enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law

Congress expressed dissatisfaction with the apparent failure to effectively enforce the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021, which prohibits open grazing.

Congress noted that continued violations of the law threaten peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, endanger agricultural productivity, and undermine food security.

Congress therefore urges all law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the law without fear or favour.

8. Illegal Migration and Population Pressure

Congress expressed concern over the increasing influx of undocumented migrants and persons of unknown identities and location into various parts of the state, particularly the state capital.

Congress observed that the situation places additional pressure on public infrastructure and social services while creating potential security vulnerabilities.

Congress therefore calls on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the State Security Council, and other relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, improve internal migration monitoring, and enhance community-based intelligence gathering.

Congress also urges the Delta State Government to develop lawful mechanisms for addressing the challenges associated with undocumented persons residing within the state.

9. Arbitrary Levies in Public Schools

Congress frowned at reports of arbitrary and unauthorized levies imposed on students and parents by some administrators in public schools, including demands for desks and other infrastructural provisions.

Congress further noted allegations of inflation of approved charges without authorization from relevant authorities.

While acknowledging the intervention of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Congress calls for a comprehensive investigation into these allegations and the imposition of appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is established.

Congress also insists that all approved school levies should be publicly published and made accessible to parents and guardians to eliminate ambiguity and prevent exploitation.

10. Automation and Clarification on the Operations of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

Congress calls on the leadership of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), popularly known as the "Okowa Police," to provide greater clarity on its operational mandate, enforcement procedures, accountability mechanisms, and oversight structures.

Congress believes that such clarification will enhance public understanding, confidence, and cooperation with the agency. 

Congress also urges the agency to use modern technologies such cameras to track down defaulters of traffic laws and condemns the use of operational vehicles to block motorists due to the danger such act possess for accidents, injuries and possible loss of lives.

CONCLUSION

Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, to constructive engagement with government, institutions, and stakeholders in promoting good governance, public safety, accountability, and sustainable development.

Congress further pledged to continue monitoring developments across the state and to hold public office holders and institutions accountable in the overall interest of the people of Delta State.

SIGNED:

Comrade Andy Emephia, Chairman, Communiqué Committee

Comrade Mrs. Chissy Awunor, Secretary, Communiqué Committee

Comrade Egufe Yafugborhi, Member, Communiqué Committee

Comrade Josephine Omodior, Acting Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council