President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to review tariffs on newspaper and broadcasting materials as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s media industry and enable it to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
The President made the commitment on Friday at the State House while hosting leaders of the Nigerian media, including representatives of the Nigeria Press Organisation, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, Nigeria Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
During the meeting, President Tinubu commended media owners, editors, and journalists for their role in informing and educating citizens, as well as providing employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
Addressing concerns raised by media executives over tariffs on industry materials, the President assured them that the matter would receive attention.
“We discussed issues of tariffs this afternoon. What I cannot report back here is whether I took action in the areas that affect you.
But if I missed that, I will go back to rectifying whatever was necessary,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on the challenges his administration inherited, the President said difficult decisions were necessary to stabilise the country’s economy and prevent financial collapse.
“Leadership must, as a matter of responsibility, make decisions at the best time. Yes, I accepted my predecessor’s assets and liabilities because I applied for the job and was given the job,” he said.
“Today, I can stand proudly before you and say that we are back from the brink.”
Tinubu also urged the media to continue holding leaders accountable across all levels of government, noting that recent federal reforms had increased the funds available to states and local governments.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised the President’s leadership and expressed confidence that his administration would steer the country toward sustainable progress.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Press Organisation, BusinessDay publisher Frank Aigbogun commended Tinubu’s long-standing relationship with the media but called for government intervention to address the rising cost of newsprint and broadcasting equipment due to import tariffs.
He also urged the government to protect journalism jobs in Nigeria, warning that global technology companies were increasingly using editorial content from Nigerian media organisations without compensation.
Meanwhile, elder statesman and NPAN Grand Patron Olusegun Osoba praised the administration’s economic reforms, including the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the National Single Window policy, which he said could significantly boost government revenue.