Tinubu Moves to Ease Tariffs on Newsprint, Broadcast Equipment, Pledges Support for Nigerian Media Industry

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to review tariffs on newspaper production materials and broadcasting equipment as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s media industry and reinforce its role in democratic governance. 

The president gave the assurance during a meeting with leaders of major media organisations at the State House in Abuja. The delegation included representatives of the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

Discussions at the meeting centred on the growing challenges confronting the media sector, particularly the rising cost of operations caused by import duties on newsprint, printing materials, and broadcasting equipment.

Speaking on behalf of the media organisations, President of the NPO and publisher of BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun, appealed to the Federal Government to reduce tariffs that have significantly increased the cost of newspaper production and broadcast operations across the country.

Aigbogun also expressed concern over the increasing dominance of global technology companies that depend on editorial content produced by Nigerian media organisations without providing adequate compensation.

According to him, the trend poses a serious threat to the financial sustainability of the media industry and the livelihoods of journalists nationwide.

Responding, President Tinubu assured the delegation that the concerns raised would receive attention, particularly the issue of tariffs affecting the sector.

“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,” the president said.

Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties currently facing Nigerians, noting that the reforms introduced by his administration were necessary to stabilise the nation’s finances.

He explained that his government inherited serious economic challenges but had taken decisive steps to prevent the country from sliding into a deeper financial crisis, adding that leadership sometimes requires tough decisions, even when such choices attract criticism.

The president said he welcomes constructive criticism from the media, describing it as a vital pillar of democratic governance.

“As an avid reader of Nigerian newspapers, I take the criticisms in good faith because all of us want the best for this country,” he said.

Tinubu further urged media practitioners to extend their watchdog role beyond the Federal Government by also holding state and local governments accountable.

According to him, recent fiscal reforms have increased revenue allocations to subnational governments, making it necessary for the media to closely monitor how such funds are utilised in the interest of the public.