President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged his administration’s support for Nigerian media organisations in their campaign for fair revenue from global technology companies, promising policy measures aimed at easing economic pressures on the industry.
Speaking during an inter-faith dinner with a delegation from the Nigerian Press Organisation at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu described the press as an “indispensable partner” in Nigeria’s democratic and economic development. He assured media leaders that his government would back their efforts against what they consider the dominance and anti-competitive practices of large tech firms.
“You have the government’s full support, because we know how important your work is to the sustenance of democracy,” the President told the delegation on Friday.
He added that the administration would support evidence-based advocacy by the media industry while seeking to remove fiscal obstacles and curb what he termed “digital cannibalisation” threatening the survival of local media organisations.
To further ease financial burdens, Tinubu revealed that the government was reviewing the tariff exemption list and could extend relief to key media production materials, including newsprint, printing plates, chemicals, and broadcast equipment used by radio and television stations. These items currently attract tariffs ranging from five to 10 per cent.
“If this happens, these items would enjoy a status similar to that of educational and research materials,” the statement released by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Press Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Segun Adediran, added.
The President’s assurance is part of broader efforts to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s media landscape while addressing the economic challenges posed by the global dominance of technology platforms.
