EDITORS CALL FOR TAX RELIEFS, JOURNALISTS’ SAFETY CHARTER TO BOOST DEMOCRACY
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On Wednesday, the Nigerian Guild of Editors urged the Bola Tinubu administration and the National Assembly to implement financial and legislative measures to sustain the nation’s media establishments.
The editors cautioned that a fragile media poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and national unity.
Eze Anaba, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, conveyed this appeal during his opening address at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The conference was attended by Tinubu.
Anaba stated that editors bear a constitutional responsibility to inform citizens, enhance accountability, and hold those in power accountable “as constructive allies, not adversaries,” which can only occur if their organizations endure overwhelming production costs and legal challenges.
“Our democracy is challenged by insecurity, economic distress, misinformation, and diminishing public confidence.
“When the press flourishes, democracy thrives; when the press is suppressed, democracy suffocates,” he articulated to Tinubu and other participants, referencing Section 22 of the Constitution, which requires the media to support the objectives of the state and ensure government accountability.
He presented a five-point rescue strategy to the President and lawmakers.
These proposals include corporate tax alleviation for a period of 5 to 10 years to assist media houses in stabilizing and meeting operational expenses, and exemption from VAT on crucial inputs such as newsprint, plates, and broadcasting equipment, “in line with practices observed in countries like Canada, India, and South Africa. ”
The Guild also requested tax incentives to encourage large corporations to promote their goods in reputable Nigerian media outlets, thereby enhancing investigative journalism and reducing dependence on foreign funding, as well as low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry or the Development Bank of Nigeria to modernize equipment and generate employment.
Anaba further advocated for the establishment of a media development fund dedicated to digital transition, overseen by an independent board, to support data journalism and storytelling across multiple platforms while shielding newsrooms from political interference.
“The media today is in distress,” the NGE President noted, revealing that a ton of newsprint now costs approximately N1.3 million to N1.4 million and lasts “only a day or two” in a typical printing cycle.
“If the media cannot maintain employment by paying salaries, it cannot support our democracy,” he emphasized.
Anaba also called for a legal overhaul to protect press freedom.
He urged the abolition of laws that restrict free expression, the submission of the Guild’s assessment to the Minister of Information and House leadership, and the establishment of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter endorsed by the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to safeguard journalists from arbitrary detentions and ensure access to information.
Framing the conference’s theme as ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors’ and the sub-theme ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027’, Anaba asserted that editors must transcend division, reject hate speech, and focus on marginalized communities and conflict areas in their regular coverage to rebalance “urban-centric” news narratives.
He concluded, “The pen must never serve as an instrument for division, but rather for healing and bridge-building. ”
He delineated ANEC’s progression from a humble concept in 2004 to Nigeria’s preeminent annual assembly of editors, media executives, and collaborators, a platform he stated has influenced national introspection for more than two decades.
Honoring former NGE presidents who upheld the platform, Anaba expressed gratitude to the Presidency for acknowledging the media’s pivotal role in nation-building.
He urged editors and publishers to adopt technology without sacrificing ethical standards, reaffirm their commitment to justice and nationalism, and develop “constructive ideas that restore public confidence and bolster our democracy” in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
“A free, responsible, and dynamic press is the essence of any democracy,” he remarked, further stating, “When journalists are honored, safeguarded, and granted access to information, governance becomes more transparent and citizens are more informed. ”
The 21st ANEC convened editors, former Guild leaders, senior media professionals, traditional leaders, and partners, with sessions focused on electoral integrity, combating misinformation, and the economics of independent journalism.
Further information will follow…
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