- Promises intervention on high cost of newsprint
- Assures on media freedom, respect divergent views
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, 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 paper industry, acknowledging concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint.
This is even as he assured that his administration will always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether they are adversarial or complimentary to his government.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu gave the assurance when he had audience with members of NPAN led by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, of Dailly Trust Newspapers Group.
Speaking on the challenges faced by travellers during the festive season, the President said the federal government is 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 are 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,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu said his administration will 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, the 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,” he said.
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 and chairman of Media Trust, owners of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, 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 to State House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Information said, the president assured NPAN, that it would look at what can be done to ensure they continue to thrive.
The country largely relies on importation of newspaper 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 closed shop, 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 the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, 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 practitioners towards the Renewed Hope Agenda and members of the NPAN are also very forthcoming. They have heard from the President first hand, they will reconvene to see how they can give further support to the actualisation of his view of making Nigeria a prosperous nation”,
On specific intervention of the President for NPAN, the Minister said: “Well 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, Chief 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.