The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic condition of the Nigerian media industry, warning that many organisations are on the verge of collapse due to soaring operational costs.
Gatekeepers News reports that at the 21st All Editors Conference held at the State House, Abuja, the Guild called for urgent government intervention through a five- to ten-year corporate tax holiday for media houses, VAT exemptions on essential production inputs, tax credits for companies advertising in verified Nigerian outlets, and access to low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria to support equipment upgrades and digital migration.
It also proposed the establishment of a Media Innovation Fund to promote online journalism, data reporting, and multimedia storytelling.
“If the media cannot keep journalists employed, it cannot inform citizens; and without an informed citizenry, democracy is weakened,” said Eze Anaba, President of the Guild.
Anaba lamented the surge in production costs, disclosing that a tonne of newsprint now sells for between ₦1.3 million and ₦1.4 million — a cost that lasts only a few days.
“The media today is distressed. Many organisations simply cannot pay salaries, not because they are incompetent, but because the cost of production has become prohibitive,” he said.
He warned that a weakened press threatens democratic accountability, declaring:
“When the press thrives, democracy breathes. When the press is stifled, democracy suffocates.”
Tinubu to Editors: Criticise Fairly, Uphold National Unity
President Bola Tinubu, who addressed the gathering, urged editors to exercise their watchdog role with fairness and patriotism, cautioning that criticism of the government must not undermine national unity or Nigeria’s image abroad.
He said misinformation and sensationalism could erode cohesion and public trust in democratic institutions.
“Verification must be your anchor. Balance must be your principle,” Tinubu said. “Criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Let your aim be to help build, not destroy.”
The President expressed optimism that the country’s ongoing reforms would yield lasting prosperity despite short-term hardships.
“When I assumed office and removed the arbitrage to stop corruption and strengthen the economy, you all dealt with me,” he joked. “But today, we should celebrate that progress is being made. The days of darkness are ending; the economy is on the path to improvement.”
Tinubu endorsed the NGE’s reform proposals, including VAT exemptions and digitisation support, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, investment attraction, and citizens’ welfare.
He also commended the courage of journalists during the military era, describing journalism as “an instrument of national awakening.”
Information Minister: Press Freedom Thriving Under Tinubu
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared that press freedom is flourishing under the current administration, noting that more than 1,000 radio and television stations operate freely across the country without censorship.
“This is not by coincidence, but by conviction. The President understands, from personal experience, that a free and vibrant media is essential to democracy,” he said.
He described Tinubu’s presence at the conference—the first by a sitting President—as a show of respect for the press. Idris also highlighted reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tax modernisation as difficult but necessary steps for long-term growth.
Uzodimma Warns Against Tribal Bias in Journalism
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who delivered the keynote address, cautioned editors against allowing tribalism and misinformation to infiltrate newsrooms, warning that such bias undermines electoral integrity.
“If the newsroom allows disinformation, rumour, and tribalism masquerading as journalism, then electoral integrity is already compromised even before the vote is cast,” he said.
Uzodimma urged the media to promote unity, accuracy, and professionalism, saying public trust “lives or dies in the narratives you control.”
UN Raises Alarm Over Global Hunger as Tinubu Pledges Recovery
Meanwhile, as President Tinubu projected optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, a new United Nations report listed Nigeria among 16 global hunger hotspots, warning that millions could face famine between November 2025 and May 2026.
The joint FAO/WFP Hunger Hotspots report cited conflict, economic shocks, and climate extremes as key drivers, adding that shrinking humanitarian funding was worsening the crisis.
“We must move from reacting to crises to preventing them,” said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. “Investing in livelihoods and resilience before hunger peaks will save lives and resources.”
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain added:
“Families are exhausting what little they have left. A failure to act now will drive further instability, migration, and conflict.”
The report underscored the urgent need for new funding, resilience investment, and unimpeded humanitarian access to avert widespread famine.
