NUJ Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Illegal Taskforces, School Levies, Billboard Risks in Delta

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed concern over rising security challenges, illegal revenue collection, weak enforcement of public policies, and growing urban management issues across Delta State, calling for urgent government intervention.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The congress, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, reviewed key socio-economic, environmental, infrastructural, educational, and governance concerns affecting residents across the state.

Addressing the issue of public safety and urban regulation, the Union raised concerns over the increasing erection of substandard and unauthorized billboards and signages in major cities including Asaba, Effurun, and Warri.

According to the communiqué, poorly engineered billboard structures pose significant risks to public safety, diminish environmental aesthetics, and contribute to revenue leakages.

The Union called on the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) and relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement measures and remove defective structures.

On transportation and urban management, Congress condemned the conversion of flyovers in Asaba, Warri, and Effurun into makeshift motor parks and informal trading spaces.

NUJ noted that the misuse of flyovers undermines their intended purpose of easing traffic congestion and improving mobility while exposing both traders and road users to avoidable dangers.

While acknowledging efforts by the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Congress urged government agencies and security authorities to reclaim public infrastructure and enforce existing regulations.

The Union also strongly condemned the activities of individuals operating illegal local government taskforces on federal roads, accusing them of harassment and extortion of motorists.

Particular concern was raised over reports from Udu Local Government Area where such practices allegedly persist despite claims that they lack official government backing.

Congress called for the immediate disbandment of illegal road taskforces and urged authorities to prosecute offenders.

On security, the Union expressed concern over the increasing incidents of kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery and other criminal activities across Delta State.

While commending security agencies for ongoing efforts, NUJ stressed that residents and journalists continue to face growing threats.

Congress therefore called on the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and relevant security agencies to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and community policing.

The Union also criticised what it described as poor implementation of resolutions reached at public summits, citing the recent Delta State Security Summit.

According to Congress, summit recommendations should move beyond ceremonial declarations to measurable implementation backed by timelines and accountability mechanisms.

On market operations, NUJ condemned the extortion of traders and market women by fake revenue collectors and unauthorised taskforce operators.

Congress insisted that only duly authorised government revenue agents using approved payment channels should collect revenues.

The Union however commended the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, for exposing and taking action against fake taskforce operators.

The communiqué also highlighted concerns over weak enforcement of the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021, which prohibits open grazing.

Congress warned that failure to enforce the law could worsen farmer-herder conflicts, threaten food production, and undermine peace.

On migration and population management, NUJ raised concerns over increasing reports of undocumented persons settling in parts of Delta State, especially the capital territory.

Congress urged the Nigeria Immigration Service and state security agencies to strengthen surveillance and adopt lawful mechanisms for monitoring population movements.

The Union also frowned at reports of arbitrary and unauthorised levies allegedly imposed by some public school administrators.

Congress called for investigations into allegations involving inflated charges and demands for classroom infrastructure support from parents.

NUJ recommended that all approved school charges be publicly displayed to improve transparency and prevent exploitation.

On traffic enforcement, Congress called on the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to provide greater clarity on its operational procedures, accountability framework and enforcement methods.

The Union further urged the agency to adopt technology-driven enforcement systems including surveillance cameras and discouraged the use of operational vehicles to obstruct motorists due to associated accident risks.

Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, to promoting good governance, public accountability, and sustainable development while pledging continued engagement with government and institutions in the interest of Delta residents.