Tinubu backs NGE’s proposal for media tax relief, VAT exemption

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, endorsed the numerous requests made by the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, aimed at revitalizing the struggling media sector in the nation.

He also urged the editors to fulfill their gatekeeping responsibilities with a sense of patriotism and fairness, cautioning that irresponsible reporting and misinformation could jeopardize national unity and democratic stability.

As a result, he called on the President to provide corporate tax relief for approximately ten years, exempt Value Added Tax (VAT), offer tax deductions, and ensure that the media industry has access to affordable financing.

In the meantime, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State stated that without electoral integrity, democracy cannot exist.

My plans for media — Tinubu
While inaugurating the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, organized by the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu, in addressing the Guild’s requests, remarked: “I have taken note of the request from the President of the Guild – corporate tax relief, VAT exemption for media, tax breaks, affordable loans from the Bank of Industry (BoI), the establishment of development grants for digitization, and the repeal of laws that hinder press freedom; let us discuss this now.

“You know, as your President, I endorse your proposal. Media and safety data will be released soon.”
He humorously added, “your request is in my pocket.”

President Tinubu encouraged Nigerian editors to carry out their watchdog duties with fairness and patriotism, asserting that criticism of the government should not compromise national unity or the country’s international reputation.

Patriotic gatekeeping
He reiterated the importance of editors exercising their gatekeeping role with patriotism and fairness, warning that irresponsible reporting and misinformation could threaten national cohesion and democratic stability.

The President acknowledged the media’s historical role in fostering national awareness and democratic resistance, but warned that cynicism and unverified claims now represent significant threats to national unity.

Tinubu reflected on the backlash that followed his initial economic reforms, especially the liberalization of foreign exchange and the elimination of arbitrage. However, he asserted that these policies were essential to combat corruption and establish a basis for sustainable economic recovery.

“When I assumed office and removed the arbitrage to stop corruption and strengthen the economy, you all dealt with me but today, we should celebrate that progress is being made. The days of darkness are ending; the economy is on the path to improvement.”

Restoring economic stability
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability, attracting investment, and improving citizens’ well-being, even as the reforms remained demanding.

Tinubu applauded the Nigerian media’s courage during the military era, honouring journalists who endured intimidation, detention and hardship in defence of national ideals.

“Journalism in Nigeria has been more than a profession, it has been an instrument of national awakening. Their sacrifices form part of the foundation upon which our democracy rests,” he said.
The President, however, reminded editors that their decisions shaped national mood and perception, especially in an age where social media had quickened the spread of misinformation. He said:
“Verification must be your anchor. Balance must be your principle. Criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Let your aim be to help build, not destroy.”

While noting that dissent was natural in a diverse country, Tinubu warned that disagreement must never erode national cohesion.

“Debate is part of our reality, but disagreement must never translate into weakening national unity. The national interest must be paramount,’’ he added.

On national security, the President acknowledged threats from terrorism and banditry but expressed confidence in ongoing efforts by security forces to check them.

“We are challenged by terrorism and banditry, but our forces are inspired. They put their lives on the line to defend our sovereignty,” he stated.

Tinubu urged editors to remain conscious of how they portrayed Nigeria to the global community, saying “this is our country, how we project Nigeria to the outside world matters. “Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair.”

The media is currently in a state of distress, according to Anaba, the head of the NGE.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the NGE, expressed his worries regarding the deteriorating financial condition of the Nigerian media, cautioning that numerous organizations are on the verge of collapse due to escalating operational expenses.

He pointed out that the cost of a ton of newsprint has surged to between N1.3 million and N1.4 million, with this price remaining stable for only a few days.

He indicated that this trend has left newsrooms struggling with increasing production costs.

"The media today is in distress. Many organizations are unable to pay salaries, not due to incompetence, but because the production costs have become excessively high," he remarked.

Anaba cautioned that the failure of media houses to retain journalists poses a risk to democratic accountability. "If the media cannot maintain employment for journalists, it cannot keep citizens informed; and without an informed populace, democracy is compromised," he emphasized.

To rescue the media sector, the Guild has suggested a corporate tax relief period of five to ten years for media companies; exemptions from VAT on essential inputs; tax credits for businesses that advertise in verified Nigerian media; and low-interest loan options through the Bank of Industry and the Development Bank of Nigeria to facilitate equipment upgrades and digital transition. Additionally, it has advocated for the establishment of a Media Innovation Fund to support online platforms, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling.

Anaba underscored that these proposed measures are not acts of favoritism but rather essential protections for democracy.

"When the press flourishes, democracy thrives. When the press is suppressed, democracy suffers," he stated, urging the federal government to take prompt action.

Editors will not remain passive in 2027, according to Uzodimma.

The keynote speaker, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, reminded the editors of the significant words of Stephen Ward, a prominent scholar in journalism ethics, who asserted that "journalistic objectivity is both an epistemic and an ethical principle."

He stated that objectivity is not merely about neutrality nor is it the mechanical recording of events, assuming such recording is even feasible.

He further asserted that editors would not merely observe the 2027 elections but would act as catalysts, with their narratives influencing the democratic future of the nation.

The governor emphasized that editors possess significant power in shaping national perceptions and must be held accountable for the narratives they endorse, especially during election periods.

"You are not mere observers in 2027; you are catalysts. The narratives you create will influence whether Nigerians perceive the elections through a tribal perspective or a collective national destiny," he remarked.

‘Electoral integrity cannot exist without democracy’
Senator Uzodimma urged editors to assume greater responsibility in safeguarding electoral integrity and rebuilding public trust in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. He stated: "If you play a role in democratic governance and national unity, you must also take responsibility for electoral integrity. Without electoral integrity, democracy cannot thrive."

‘Distrust regarding the 2023 election’
He pointed out that media coverage of the 2023 elections has fueled public distrust, with certain reports depicting the electoral process as having failed, based on selective or hasty conclusions.

He referenced the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, which indicated that 49 percent of Nigerians lack trust in the media, labeling this trend as "profoundly concerning."

He cautioned that editorial decisions have significant repercussions: choices regarding what to publish, which voices to elevate, and how political events are presented directly influence national unity, voter trust, and the resilience of democracy.

"When every disagreement is portrayed as a crisis and every electoral issue is treated as systemic fraud, you exacerbate polarization and intensify distrust," he stated.

Uzodimma urged editors to adopt an "objectivity of responsibility" grounded in accuracy, verification, and context, rather than succumbing to the pressures of speed or sensationalism driven by commercial interests.

‘Architects of a Democratic Future’
“Let 2027 mark the year when the Nigerian media becomes the architect of a collective democratic future,” he urged.

In his comments, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the commendation, emphasizing that this was the inaugural occasion a sitting Presi