President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), that he would consider a review of policies affecting the Print Media Industry.
The President has also acknowledged concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint in Nigeria.
The President made the pledge on Monday in Abuja, during a meeting with members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), at the State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu also said that his administration will uphold media freedom and respect opinions, irrespective of either adversarial or complimentary to his government.
Speaking on the challenges faced by travelers during the festive season, the Nigerian Leader 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.
”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.
Until my appointment as Minister @FMINONigeria, I was Secretary-General of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
It was therefore my pleasure, today, to take a delegation from NPAN to the Presidential Villa for a working lunch with President @officialABAT. pic.twitter.com/eIxC3rqx6z— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) December 18, 2023
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji 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,” the Minister said.
Commending NPAN for providing a platform for national discourse and for diverse voices, the Minister implored the association to collaborate with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values, and addressing challenges confronting the nation.
Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, NPAN President and chairman of Media Trust, owners of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, 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.
NPAN was led to the meeting held at the State House by its President, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, of Dailly Trust Newspapers Group.
Others on the NPAN entourage include Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers, Prince 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 Business day Newspapers, Frank Aigbogun; Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu and Executive Secretary of NPAN, Feyi Smith.
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