President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the Nigeria Guild of Editors’ (NGE) proposals aimed at rescuing the nation’s distressed media sector, pledging support for corporate tax relief, VAT exemptions, tax deductions, and affordable financing for media organisations.

Speaking at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu urged editors to exercise their watchdog role with patriotism and fairness, warning that misinformation and irresponsible reporting could undermine national cohesion and democratic stability.

“I’ve listened to the requests of the Guild—corporate tax relief, VAT exemption, affordable loans, and development grants for digitisation. I endorse your proposals. Your request is in my pocket,” the President said, jokingly.

Tinubu acknowledged the historic role of the Nigerian media in national awakening and democratic resistance but cautioned that cynicism and unverified claims posed threats to national unity. He also highlighted the progress of his economic reforms, including foreign exchange liberalisation, as necessary measures for long-term recovery.

NGE President Eze Anaba raised concerns about the media’s financial distress, citing soaring costs of newsprint and operations that left many organisations struggling to pay salaries. He urged the government to implement five- to ten-year corporate tax relief, VAT exemptions on essential inputs, tax credits for advertisers, low-interest loans, and a Media Innovation Fund to support digital transformation.

“When the press thrives, democracy breathes. When the press is stifled, democracy suffocates,” Anaba said, calling the interventions safeguards for democracy, not acts of patronage.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, the keynote speaker, reminded editors that they would be key players in shaping narratives during the 2027 elections, stressing that editorial choices directly influence public trust, national cohesion, and democratic resilience. He urged journalists to embrace an “objectivity of responsibility”, grounded in verification, context, and accuracy.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, praised Tinubu’s attendance as a historic endorsement of the media’s role, noting that Nigeria’s press freedom record remains strong, citing UNESCO’s hosting of the global Media and Information Literacy Institute as evidence.

Tinubu concluded by calling on editors to maintain balance, verification, and patriotism in reporting, saying:
“Criticise government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Let your aim be to help build, not destroy. The national interest must be paramount.”