Tinubu Promises Review of Tariffs Affecting Newspapers, Broadcasting Sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday promised to review tariffs imposed on newspaper and broadcasting materials as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s media industry and enable it to perform its constitutional responsibilities more effectively.

The President made the pledge at the State House in Abuja while hosting leaders of major media bodies, including the Nigerian Press Organisation, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

Tinubu commended media owners, editors and journalists for their role in informing and educating citizens, noting that the sector also provides employment and livelihoods for thousands of Nigerians.

Speaking on the requests presented by the media leaders, the President said his administration would look into the tariff concerns raised during the meeting.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also reflected on the difficult decisions his administration had taken since assuming office, stating that responsible leadership requires making timely choices even when they are tough.

According to him, the government inherited significant economic challenges but had taken steps to stabilise the country.

“Leadership must, as a matter of responsibility, make decisions at the best time. I accepted my predecessor’s assets and liabilities because I applied for the job and was given the job. But if anybody tells you it’s easy, it’s a lie,” he said.

The President expressed appreciation for the media’s criticisms during the early days of his administration, describing them as constructive and inspiring.

“I thank you for your criticism at the beginning of the administration. You challenged me and inspired me at a critical moment,” Tinubu said, adding that as an avid reader of Nigerian newspapers he accepts feedback in good faith because “all of us want the best for this nation.”

He also urged the media to extend its watchdog role to other tiers of government, stressing that reforms implemented by the federal government had increased financial allocations to states and local governments.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the media had high expectations for the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence in the President’s resilience and leadership.

Idris urged journalists to continue carrying out their constitutional responsibilities responsibly while holding governments at all levels accountable.

Also speaking at the meeting, Olusegun Osoba, Grand Patron of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, praised the President for what he described as bold economic reforms, including the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the National Single Window policy aimed at improving revenue generation.

He also commended Tinubu for encouraging state governors to ensure that resources received from federal allocations are used to improve the welfare of citizens at the grassroots.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Press Organisation and publisher of BusinessDay newspaper, Frank Aigbogun, spoke on behalf of the media delegation.He commended the media for its constructive remarks and criticisms, adding that  as an ardent reader of Nigerian newspapers, he accepted all in good faith since “all of us want the best for this nation.”

President Tinubu called on the media to also demand accountability, development and service from other tiers of government, as federal government reform policies have made more funds available to the federating units.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed confidence in the President’s strength of character, resilience and visionary leadership, assuring him that the Nigerian media have high expectations for his administration’s ability to steer the nation toward lasting progress.

The Minister charged media practitioners to continue to discharge their constitutional role with responsibility while holding the government at all levels accountable to the people.

Aremo Olusegun Osoba, the Grand Patron of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), commended President Tinubu for the bold steps his administration has taken, introducing transformative policies geared towards transforming the nation’s economy.

Osoba lauded the establishment of the Nigeria Revenue Service and the National Single Window policy, both of which are capable of increasing the nation’s revenue profile.

He lauded the President for charging the governors to ensure that the resources they receive through the monthly federal allocation are used to improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots.

Mr Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay newspapers, spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Press Organisation, of which he is the president.