‘Your Request Is in My Pocket’ — Tinubu Promises Relief for Struggling Media

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed key proposals by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) aimed at rescuing the country’s struggling media industry, pledging his administration’s commitment to support the sector through fiscal incentives and policy reforms.

Speaking at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said he fully supports the editors’ requests, which include corporate tax relief, VAT exemption, low-interest loans, and the establishment of development grants for media digitisation.

“I’ve listened to the request of the Guild—corporate tax relief, VAT exemption, tax breaks, affordable loans from the Bank of Industry, repeal of laws that inhibit press freedom—discuss it now,” Tinubu said. “You know, I, as your President, endorse your proposal. Your request is in my pocket.”

Tinubu Urges Responsible Gatekeeping

The President called on Nigerian editors to uphold patriotism, fairness, and national interest in their reporting, warning that misinformation and irresponsible journalism could undermine democracy and national unity.

“Verification must be your anchor. Balance must be your principle. Criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Let your aim be to help build, not destroy,” he advised.

Tinubu acknowledged the media’s historic role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, paying tribute to journalists who faced repression during the military era. “Journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession; it has been an instrument of national awakening,” he said.

Media in Distress — NGE President

Earlier, NGE President Eze Anaba decried the dire financial state of Nigerian news organisations, saying many are on the brink of collapse due to escalating production costs and economic hardship.

“The media today is distressed. Many organisations simply cannot pay salaries, not because they are incompetent, but because the cost of production has become prohibitive,” Anaba said, noting that newsprint now costs between N1.3 million and N1.4 million per ton.

He urged the federal government to grant a 5–10-year corporate tax holiday, VAT exemptions, tax credits for advertisers patronising verified Nigerian media, and access to affordable loans through the Bank of Industry and Development Bank of Nigeria.

“When the press thrives, democracy breathes. When the press is stifled, democracy suffocates,” Anaba warned.

Uzodimma: Editors Must Safeguard Electoral Integrity

Delivering the keynote address, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State said editors must take responsibility for shaping narratives that promote unity and electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“You are not spectators in 2027; you are catalysts. The narratives you shape will determine whether Nigerians see the elections through a tribal lens or a shared national destiny,” Uzodimma said.

He cautioned against sensationalism and urged editors to embrace “objectivity of responsibility” built on accuracy, verification, and context.

Information Minister Praises Media Resilience

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Tinubu’s presence at the NGE conference as historic—the first by a sitting President.

He said the administration recognises the media as an essential pillar of democracy, adding that the federal government is already reviewing the tax regime to ease business operations across sectors, including the press.

“Like the press under military dictatorship, President Tinubu resisted oppression. He understands that an independent media is not a foe of government but the foundation of a lasting democracy,” Idris stated.

He urged editors to report with balance and patriotism: “The best editor is the one who knows what not to publish. Let us tell the Nigerian story with truth and an unshakable belief in our future.”