President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to examine tariffs on newspaper and broadcasting materials to empower the media sector to fulfill its constitutional role effectively. The commitment came during a meeting at the State House with leaders from the Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO), Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Nigeria Guild of Editors, and Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Commending Media Contributions:
The President praised media owners, editors, and journalists for keeping citizens informed, educating the public, and providing livelihoods for thousands of Nigerians.
Leadership and Tough Decisions:
Emphasizing the responsibilities of leadership, President Tinubu reflected on the difficult but necessary measures his administration has taken to stabilize the nation’s finances. “Leadership must, as a matter of responsibility, make decisions at the best time,” he said. “We had to save the nation and bring it back from the brink.”
Tariff Intervention on the Horizon:
Regarding requests for government action on tariffs, the President stated: “We discussed issues of tariffs this afternoon…if I missed that, I will go back to rectifying whatever was necessary.”
Calling for Accountability Across Government:
President Tinubu encouraged the media to continue holding all tiers of government accountable, noting that federal reforms have increased resources available to states and local governments.
Minister of Information Highlights Media Expectations:
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, praised the President’s vision and resilience and urged media practitioners to uphold their constitutional responsibilities while ensuring government accountability.
NPAN Praises Transformative Policies:
Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Grand Patron of NPAN, lauded President Tinubu for economic reforms, including the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the National Single Window policy, aimed at increasing national revenue and improving grassroots development.
Protecting Media Jobs and Industry:
Speaking for the NPO, Mr. Frank Aigbogun called for federal intervention on import tariffs for newsprint and broadcasting equipment and measures to protect journalists from uncompensated use of their content by large technology companies.
A Commitment to Collaboration and Progress:
President Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the media, ensuring that it can operate effectively in service of the nation’s development.
