The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Wednesday called on President Bola Tinubu to put mechanisms in place to save the media industry from distress.
Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, urged the President to come to the aid of the media industry to ensure its survival and enable it to effectively perform its functions.
He stated this in his opening address at the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) with the theme “Democracy, Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
Anaba, while noting that the media must survive as a business to play its role in protecting democracy, called for “legislative and executive support to make the media work viable.”
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He disclosed that with newsprint now costing about ₦1.5 million per tonne, the prohibitive expense is unsustainable. He appealed to the President to, among other measures, “introduce corporate tax relief for between five and ten years, as well as VAT exemption for media houses, as is done in countries like India and Canada.”
According to him, only a thriving media industry can help sustain democracy.
He also called for grants to support the digital transformation of the media industry and for a review of laws that prohibit media freedom.
The Guild noted that the media industry requires temporary tax relief (for 5–10 years) that will enable media houses to stabilise, meet operating costs, and sustain their watchdog role.
“In recognition of its social responsibility, the media should be exempt from VAT on essential tools and equipment — a practice already in place in countries like Canada, India, and South Africa.
“Other requests include tax deductions for Media Advertisers, as well as “Incentivize large corporations to advertise in verified Nigerian media outlets through tax credits.
“This will redirect revenue to local journalism, strengthening investigative reporting and reducing reliance on foreign grants,” he said.
The Guild also called for the establishment of a low-interest loan scheme through the Bank of Industry or the Development Bank of Nigeria, to help media organisations upgrade equipment, expand reach, and create jobs.
“A Media Development Fund should be established to support the digital transformation of Nigerian media — promoting corporate online platforms, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling.
‘”To avoid political interference, such a fund should be managed by an independent board.
“For effective performance of our constitutional duties, we call for the repeal of laws that inhibit press freedom. We had already undertaken an exercise to identify these laws and we had also presented a proposal to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives in this regard.
“We also seek state-sanctioned protection of journalists carrying out legitimate work from arbitrary arrests or misuse of cybercrime laws.
“Towards this end, we propose the establishment of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter — endorsed by the Presidency, approved by the Legislature, and upheld by the Judiciary and the NGE,” he added.
The Guild also noted that development of Nigeria’s rural communities is key to national growth, adding that “we must bring the underserved rural areas and conflict zones into our daily news narrative — to balance our currently urban-centred reporting.”
“Mr. President, as a committed advocate of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the NGE respectfully requests that your administration recognize journalism as a public good deserving of targeted fiscal incentives, legal protection, and developmental support — not for patronage, but to strengthen the foundations of our democracy.”
He also charged editors to contribute to credible elections, national dialogue, peace-building, and inclusive governance.
Others include adaptation to new technologies and evolving newsroom realities without compromising ethical standards.
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical journalism, continuous professional development, and the defence of press freedom.
“Through training, advocacy, and collaboration, we will continue to empower editors to excel as thought leaders and defenders of democracy,” he added.
The event was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III; Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
Also in attendance are Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; and other media leaders.
Other dignitaries include the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare.
