President Tinubu Assures To Review Policies That Hurt Newspaper Industry

President Bola Tinubu has assured the members of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) that he will review policies affecting the country's newspaper sector. He also acknowledged concerns over the current laws hindering local access to newsprint.

Tinubu, during a meeting with members of the NPAN on Monday, said his administration will always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, even if they are not complimentary.

The president said he cares about everything that's going on in the country and thanked every newspaper and media house for their support and opinions, including criticism of his administration.

"Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as president," Tinubu said, the President's Office shared on X. "You have held our feet to the fire, and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not."

The president said he reads "every newspaper, various opinions and columnists." Tinubu noted that his administration will be "reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy," highlighting the fuel subsidy removal and ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.

He ensured the government would remain transparent and do its best to create a good economic environment for Nigerians. Tinubu said the federal government has granted waivers to operators in the air, road, and rail transportation systems to counter high transportation costs faced by travelers during the festive season. He also said steps are being taken to reduce the price of liquefied petroleum gas.

"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 added.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the minister for Information and National Orientation, emphasized the federal government's commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in Nigeria.

"Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles," the minister said.

Kabiru Yusuf, NPAN president and chairman of Media Trust, shared that the association is concerned about the newspaper sector as it employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators and accountants.

"Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news," he added.