President Bola Tinubu with members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) at the State House, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has assured members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) that his administration would carefully consider their request for a review of policies affecting the newspaper industry, acknowledging concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint.
He also assured that his administration would always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether adversarial or complimentary to his government.
Tinubu spoke when he had audience with members of NPAN, led by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, of the Dailly Trust Newspapers Group.
On the challenges faced by travelers during the festive season, the president said the Federal Government was taking measures to alleviate the high cost of transportation by granting waivers to operators in the air, road, and rail transportation systems. He also said steps were being taken to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
“I care about what is going on in the country. I thank you for your support and opinions, even the criticism of our government. Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as president.
“You have held our feet to the fire, and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not. One thing I must say is that I read every paper, various opinions, and columnists.”
President Tinubu said his administration would remain steadfast in “reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy,” citing bold decisions by his administration to end the petrol subsidy regime and initiate the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.
“I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people. The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, among others. We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in the country.
“Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles.”
Commending NPAN for providing a platform for national discourse and for diverse voices, he implored the association to collaborate with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values, and addressing challenges confronting the nation.
NPAN president, Yusuf, while congratulating President Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court affirmation, raised pressing concerns facing the newspaper industry.
“Our particular concern is the newspaper industry, which employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators, accountants. Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news,” he said.
Speaking with State House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, information minister said the president assured NPAN that he would look at what can be done to ensure they continue to thrive.
The country largely relies on importation of newsprint as major paper mills, Nigeria Paper Mill Limited, Jebba, Kwara State; Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company Limited, Oku-Iboku, Akwa Ibom State; and Nigerian National Paper Manufacturing Company Limited, Ogun State, have shut down with only a few others operational.
Idris said the discussion was frank about the future of the newspaper industry and how government can support.
He said: “Members of NPAN thought it wise to see Mr. President for the first time collectively since he was inaugurated. He noted that the media is very important in the development of democracy especially in Nigeria. The president thought that it is important that he also meets with them (NPAN), they had very frank conversation about the future, especially of the newspaper industry and how government can support.
“He also solicited for the cooperation of all media professionals towards the Renewed Hope Agenda and members of the NPAN are also very forthcoming. They have heard from the president firsthand, they will reconvene to see how they can give further support to the actualization of his view of making Nigeria a prosperous nation,” he said.
On specific intervention of the president for NPAN, the minister said: “Specifically, there is this high cost of newsprint, newsprint is the most important part of publishing we are looking at that and we will see what can be done.
“The president is also looking at what can be done so that the newspapers will continue to thrive.”
Others on the NPAN entourage include Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers/Arise Television Group, Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka; former governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba; Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, Eniola Bello; Managing Director of The Nation Newspaper, Victor Ifijeh; Vice Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Azubuike Ishiekwene; Managing Director of Businessday Newspapers, Frank Aigbogun; Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu and Executive Secretary of NPAN, Feyi Smith.