Cynthia Ezegwu
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Wednesday called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to adopt fiscal and legal measures to support the survival of the country’s media houses, warning that a weakened press threatens democracy and national cohesion.
The appeal was made by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, during his opening address at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Tinubu was in attendance at the conference.
Anaba stressed that editors have a constitutional duty to inform citizens, deepen accountability, and hold power to account “as constructive partners, not adversaries,” but can only fulfil this mandate if their organisations withstand high production costs and legal threats.
“Our democracy is tested by insecurity, economic hardship, misinformation and declining public trust. When the press thrives, democracy breathes; when the press is stifled, democracy suffocates,” he said, citing Section 22 of the Constitution, which mandates the media to uphold the objectives of the state and ensure government accountability.
The NGE President presented a five-point media rescue package to the President and lawmakers, which includes:
• Corporate tax reliefs for 5–10 years to stabilise media operations.
• VAT exemptions on essential inputs such as newsprint, plates, and broadcast equipment.
• Tax incentives for large corporations to advertise in credible Nigerian outlets.
• Low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry or Development Bank of Nigeria to modernise equipment and create jobs.
• Establishment of a media development fund for digital transition, managed by an independent board to support data journalism and multimedia storytelling.
Anaba highlighted the rising cost of operations, noting that a ton of newsprint now costs between N1.3 million and N1.4 million, sufficient for only a day or two of printing. “If the media cannot keep jobs by paying salaries, it cannot help our democracy,” he said.
He also called for a legal reset to safeguard press freedom, including the repeal of laws inhibiting free expression, submission of the Guild’s review to the Minister of Information and the House leadership, and creation of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to protect journalists from arbitrary arrests and ensure access to information.
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Framing the conference theme “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” and sub-theme “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027”, Anaba urged editors to rise above division, reject hate speech, and focus coverage on underserved communities and conflict zones.
He lauded the evolution of ANEC since 2004 into Nigeria’s largest annual gathering of editors and media leaders, noting its role in shaping national reflection and policy over two decades.
Anaba also urged editors and publishers to embrace technology without compromising ethics, recommit to fairness and patriotism, and generate practical ideas that rebuild public trust and strengthen democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The pen must never be a tool for division, but for healing and bridge-building. A free, responsible and vibrant press is the lifeblood of any democracy,” he said.
The 21st ANEC brought together editors, past Guild leaders, senior media executives, traditional rulers, and partners, with sessions focused on electoral integrity, countering misinformation, and the economics of independent journalism.