The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Bola Tinubu administration and the National Assembly to implement fiscal and legal measures to sustain media houses, warning that the collapse of the press threatens Nigeria’s democracy and national cohesion.
NGE President Eze Anaba made the appeal during his opening address at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, with President Tinubu in attendance.
“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,” Anaba said, citing Section 22 of the Constitution, which mandates the media to inform citizens and hold government accountable.
The Guild outlined a five-point media rescue package for the President and lawmakers, including:
Corporate tax reliefs for 5–10 years to stabilize media operations.
VAT exemptions on essential inputs such as newsprint, plates, and broadcast equipment, following practices in countries like Canada, India, and South Africa.
Tax credits for corporations advertising in credible Nigerian media outlets to boost investigative journalism.
Low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry or Development Bank of Nigeria for equipment modernization and job creation.
A media development fund for digital transition, managed by an independent board to support data journalism and multimedia storytelling while protecting newsrooms from political interference.
“The media today is distressed,” Anaba said, revealing that a ton of newsprint now costs about N1.3–1.4 million and lasts only a day or two in a typical press cycle. “If the media cannot keep jobs by paying salaries, it cannot help our democracy.”
President, Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba
Anaba also called for a legal reset to protect press freedom, urging the repeal of restrictive laws, submission of the Guild’s legal review to the Minister of Information and House leadership, and the creation of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter endorsed by all three arms of government.
Framing the conference theme, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, Anaba emphasized that editors must rise above division, reject hate speech, and focus on underserved communities and conflict zones, countering the “urban-centered” bias in news coverage.
“The pen must never be a tool for division, but for healing and bridge-building,” he said.
Tracing ANEC’s evolution since 2004, Anaba praised past NGE presidents and thanked the Presidency for recognizing the media’s strategic role in nation-building. He challenged editors to embrace technology without compromising ethics, recommit to fairness and patriotism, and generate practical ideas to rebuild public trust ahead of the 2027 polls.
“A free, responsible, and vibrant press is the lifeblood of any democracy. When journalists are respected, protected, and granted access to information, governance becomes more transparent and citizens better informed,” he said.
The 21st ANEC convened editors, senior media executives, traditional rulers, and partners, with sessions focused on electoral integrity, countering misinformation, and the economics of independent journalism.
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