Tinubu Considers Media Tax Relief, Other Interventions To Boost Press Freedom

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) that his administration will consider requests for media tax relief and other interventions aimed at ensuring the sustainability and vibrancy of the media industry.

Speaking at the 21st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (ANEC) 2025, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu said the Federal Government recognises the vital role of journalists as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and key partners in national development.

He urged editors to continue to perform their duties responsibly and constructively, emphasising that the media must contribute to national unity, democratic growth, and social cohesion.

“This conversation is necessary as we continue to build institutions that are transparent, resilient and trusted by our citizens,” Tinubu said. “Journalism in Nigeria has always been more than a profession; it has been an instrument of national awakening — from the early newspapers that challenged colonial injustice to the voices that sustained hope during the dark days of military dictatorship.”

The President commended the Guild’s leadership for its commitment to sustaining democracy and promoting national development despite economic and technological challenges facing the industry.

Acknowledging the rise of misinformation and the pressures of the digital age, Tinubu urged editors to maintain the core values of truth, verification, and fairness in their work. “We live in a time when information travels rapidly. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. Verification must be your anchor, balance your principle, and professional judgement your guide,” he said.

The President encouraged editors to “report boldly, but truthfully,” adding that criticism of government policies should be guided by knowledge, fairness, and the shared goal of building a better society.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s security challenges and creating an environment of peace and prosperity. He called for stronger collaboration between the media, private sector, and civil society to strengthen national unity.

“I ask of you to continue to exercise that responsibility with seriousness and honour. Let us choose clarity over confusion, responsibility over recklessness, and hope over despair. The stories we tell ourselves influence the country we become,” he said.

Responding to the Guild’s requests for fiscal incentives and legal protection, President Tinubu assured that the government would consider the proposals, including tax incentives for advertisers, VAT exemptions on media inputs, and a Media Development Fund to support digital innovation and newsroom transformation.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, lauded President Tinubu for being the first sitting President to attend an NGE conference, describing it as a historic gesture that underscores his respect for press freedom. He said more than one thousand broadcasting stations were currently operating freely across the country under the Tinubu administration.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, no media house has been threatened, gagged or shut down for expressing dissent. This reflects our commitment to the constitutional principles of press freedom,” Idris stated.

Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who also addressed the conference, urged editors to play a responsible role in the run-up to the 2027 elections by promoting narratives that strengthen democracy rather than deepen division. He warned that editorial decisions during elections carry lasting consequences for public trust and national cohesion.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, commended President Tinubu for attending the event, describing his presence as a sign of genuine partnership with the media. He urged the government to back its rhetoric with policies that will protect press freedom and ensure financial stability for media houses.

Anaba called for corporate tax relief, VAT exemptions, and access to affordable financing for news organisations, while also proposing the repeal of laws that hinder press freedom and the establishment of a Media Development Fund managed by an independent board.

He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability, stating that editors must continue to hold power to account — not as adversaries, but as partners in the quest for national progress.