President Bola Tinubu assured members of the
Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria on Monday that his administration would carefully scrutinize policies affecting the newspaper industry, addressing concerns about regulations impacting local access to newsprint. The President, in a meeting at the State House, Abuja, expressed his commitment to upholding media freedom and respecting diverse opinions, whether critical or complimentary.
President Tinubu stated,
“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.“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,” said Tinubu.” He emphasized his practice of reading various newspapers, columns, and opinions to stay informed about the nation’s happenings.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, conveyed the President’s message in a statement, affirming that media freedom and respect for differing views would remain integral to Tinubu’s administration.
During the meeting, President Tinubu also addressed challenges faced by Nigerians traveling for festivities, emphasizing measures taken by the Federal Government to alleviate high transportation costs, including waivers for operators in air, road, and rail transportation. He further mentioned steps to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
“I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people. The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, among others.
“We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,” he said.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, citing bold decisions such as ending the petrol subsidy regime and unifying foreign exchange rates. He pledged a transparent government and emphasized investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, with a focus on taking care of the poor.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the high cost of newsprint and assured government intervention to ensure sustainability for newspapers. Idris emphasized the importance of a vibrant and responsible media landscape, commending NPAN for fostering national discourse.
Idris said, “Specifically, there is this high cost of newsprint. Newsprint is the most important part of publishing. We are looking at that and we will see what can be done.
“The President is also looking at what can be done so that the newspapers will continue to thrive.”
NPAN President Kabiru Yusuf congratulated President Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court affirmation, raising concerns about the newspaper industry’s challenges. He stressed the industry’s role in democracy and information dissemination.
The meeting also saw the presence of prominent figures in the media industry, including Angela Emuwa, Nduka Obaigbena, Sam Amuka, Segun Osoba, England Bello, Victor Ifijeh, Azubuike Ishiekwene, Frank Aigbogun, Ayodele Aminu, Mathew Ibiyemi and Feyi Smith. The President urged effective collaboration and dialogue to address shared challenges.
