President Bola Tinubu, on the previous day, supported the numerous demands submitted by the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, as part of effort...
President Bola Tinubu, on the previous day, supported the numerous demands submitted by the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, as part of efforts to revitalize the struggling media industry in the nation.
He also instructed the editors to fulfill their role as gatekeepers with a sense of patriotism and fairness, cautioning that careless reporting and false information might weaken national unity and the stability of democratic systems.
The president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba, expressed concern in his opening speech that the current economic conditions in the country have placed the media in a difficult situation.
As a result, he recommended that the President provide corporate tax relief for approximately a decade, eliminate Value Added Tax, offer tax reductions, and ensure the media sector has access to low-cost financing.
In the meantime, Governor Hope Uzodimma from Imo State has stated that without electoral honesty, there can be no democracy.
My media plans - Tinubu
During the opening of the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, hosted by the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu, in addressing the Guild's proposals, stated: "I have heard the recommendations from the Guild's President—corporate tax exemption, extension of VAT to media, tax incentives, low-cost loans from BoI (Bank of Industry), creation of funding for digital transformation, and removal of laws that restrict press freedom, let's address these now."
You are aware, as your leader, I support your idea. Information from the media and safety details will be released soon.
He remarked with humor, "your request is in my pocket."
President Tinubu called on Nigerian editors to fulfill their role as guardians of the public interest with fairness and a sense of national pride, emphasizing that criticism of the government should not undermine national unity or the nation's international reputation.
Patriotic gatekeeping
He further encouraged the editors to fulfill their role as gatekeepers with a sense of patriotism and integrity, cautioning that careless reporting and false information might weaken national unity and the stability of democratic systems.
The leader stated that he recognized the media's long-standing role in fostering national awareness and democratic struggle, yet warned that skepticism and unconfirmed statements currently present major dangers to the country's cohesion.
Tinubu mentioned the anger that followed his initial economic changes, especially the liberalization of foreign exchange and elimination of arbitrage, but emphasized that these measures were essential to fight corruption and establish a base for sustained economic growth.
When I took office and eliminated the loopholes to combat corruption and boost the economy, you all opposed me. But now, we should acknowledge the progress that is being achieved. The times of hardship are coming to an end; the economy is moving towards recovery.
Restoring economic stability
He emphasized his government's dedication to achieving macroeconomic stability, drawing in investments, and enhancing the quality of life for residents, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing reforms.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian media's bravery throughout the military period, recognizing reporters who faced threats, arrest, and challenges while upholding the country's values.
"Journalism in Nigeria has gone beyond being just a career; it has served as a tool for the country's awakening. Their sacrifices are part of the base on which our democracy is built," he stated.
The President, nevertheless, informed editors that their choices influenced the country's atmosphere and views, particularly in an era where social media had accelerated the circulation of false information. He stated:
Ensure verification is your foundation. Maintain balance as your guiding rule. Criticize governmental policies, but do so with understanding and objectivity. Let your goal be to contribute to construction, not destruction.
Acknowledging that differing opinions are common in a varied nation, Tinubu cautioned that such disagreements should never undermine national unity.
"Debate is a part of our reality, yet conflict should never lead to undermining national unity. The country's interests must come first," he added.
Regarding national security, the President recognized dangers posed by terrorism and piracy but showed faith in the current actions taken by security agencies to manage these issues.
"We face threats from terrorism and robbery, but our military is motivated. They risk their lives to protect our independence," he said.
Tinubu called on editors to be mindful of Nigeria's representation to the international audience, stating, "this is our country, how we present Nigeria to the world is important." "Let us opt for clarity instead of confusion, accountability rather than recklessness, and optimism over pessimism."
The media is currently in turmoil -- Anaba, NGE boss
In his opening speech, the President of the NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, expressed worries regarding the deteriorating financial condition of the Nigerian media, cautioning that numerous outlets were nearing failure because of increasing expenses.
He observed that the cost of a ton of newsprint increased to between N1.3 million and N1.4 million, but this period was brief.
He stated that this is a trend causing newsrooms to struggle with increasing production costs.
"The media landscape is currently in turmoil. Numerous organizations are struggling to cover employee wages, not due to inefficiency, but because the expenses involved in production have become excessively high," he stated.
Anaba cautioned that the difficulty of media organizations in keeping journalists employed posed a risk to democratic responsibility. "If the media fails to maintain journalist positions, it cannot educate the public; and without a well-informed populace, democracy is undermined," he stated.
Saving the media
In an effort to rescue the sector, the Guild suggested a five to ten year corporate tax reduction for media organizations; exemption from VAT on critical supplies; tax incentives for businesses that advertise in certified Nigerian publications; and affordable loan options via the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria to assist with technology improvements and digital transition. Additionally, it advocated for a Media Innovation Fund aimed at promoting online services, data-driven reporting, and multi-media content creation.
Anaba emphasized that the suggested measures were not gestures of favoritism but protections for democratic principles.
"When the media flourishes, democracy lives. When the media is suppressed, democracy struggles," he stated, calling on the federal government to take immediate action.
Editors will not remain passive in 2027 --Uzodimma
The keynote speaker and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, reminded the editors of the significant words of Stephen Ward, a prominent expert in journalism ethics, who noted that "journalism objectivity is both an epistemic and an ethical principle."
He claimed that objectivity was not merely about being neutral or passively recording events, as if such a process could ever be truly achievable.
He further stated that editors would not remain passive during the 2027 elections but would act as drivers whose stories would influence the country's democratic trajectory.
The leader stated that editors hold significant power in influencing the country's viewpoint and should be responsible for the stories they push, especially in times of elections.
"You are not just observers in 2027; you are driving forces. The stories you create will decide if Nigerians view the elections through a tribal perspective or a common national future," he stated.
Democracy is essential for electoral integrity.
Senator Uzodimma called on editors to increase their accountability in safeguarding the electoral process and rebuilding public trust, as the 2027 general elections approach. He stated, "If you play a part in democratic governance and national unity, you must also take responsibility for electoral integrity. Without electoral integrity, there cannot be democracy."
'Mistrust over 2023 poll'
He observed that media reporting on the 2023 elections fueled public skepticism, with certain articles depicting the voting process as failed, relying on partial or early predictions.
He referenced the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, which revealed that 49 percent of Nigerians have a lack of trust in the media, calling the situation "extremely concerning."
He cautioned that editorial decisions have repercussions: choices about what to publish, which perspectives to highlight, and how political events are presented can directly influence national unity, public trust in elections, and the strength of democracy.
"If each disagreement is presented as a crisis and every electoral issue is seen as widespread fraud, it fuels polarization and increases distrust," he stated.
Uzodimma urged editors to adopt an "objectivity of responsibility" based on accuracy, verification, and context, instead of prioritizing speed or sensationalism influenced by commercial demands.
'Architects of democratic future'
"Let 2027 mark the year Nigerian media takes the lead in shaping a collective democratic future," he urged.
In his comments, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed similar admiration, highlighting that this marked the first instance of a current President participating in an NGE conference, which he described as "a deep recognition of the fourth estate." Idris compared Tinubu's political path to the perseverance of the Nigerian media, remembering how he withstood federal influence while serving as governor of Lagos.
"Like the press during a military regime, President Tinubu stood against suppression. He recognizes that a free media is not an enemy of the government but the cornerstone of a durable democracy," Idris stated.
He further pledged to editors that the new tax system is intended to enhance infrastructure, education, and healthcare, mentioning that applications for media tax relief would be handled in a timely manner.
Emphasizing the administration's dedication to freedom of the press, the minister mentioned that no broadcasting station had been closed due to critical reporting and cited UNESCO's choice to assign Nigeria the responsibility of hosting the global Media and Information Literacy Institute as evidence of backing.
He called on editors to serve as collaborators in the country's revival via conscientious journalism: "The most effective editor is the one who understands what should not be published. Let us present the Nigerian narrative with fairness, honesty, and a firm faith in our tomorrow." "The fourth estate has stayed consistent. May it keep being robust in safeguarding the public," Idris said.
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