President Bola Tinubu has committed to reviewing and correcting tariff policies affecting Nigeria’s media industry, following direct concerns raised by media executives.
The assurance was given during an interfaith iftar hosted for media leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. President Tinubu stated he had listened attentively to the discussions on the financial burdens imposed by current tariff structures.
“I’ve listened carefully to you. The question of tariff was discussed this afternoon,” the president remarked. “What I cannot report back here is whether I took action in the area that affected you or not, but if I miss that, I’ll go back to rectify it.”
The meeting highlighted the economic pressures on media organisations, with operational costs from telecommunications and electricity levies frequently cited as significant challenges to sustainability and employment.
In his address, President Tinubu also acknowledged the sector’s vital contribution to national development. He noted that media organisations are major employers and play a fundamental role in public information and civic education.
“The joy is that many of you have employed people to live a life and inform people to get information, educate and strengthen our minds,” he said.
The president’s pledge signals a potential policy shift after prolonged advocacy from media groups for regulatory relief. A formal review process is expected, involving consultation with industry stakeholders to assess the impact of existing tariffs and propose corrective measures.
This engagement underscores the government’s recognition of a free and economically viable press as essential to democratic discourse and public enlightenment. The outcome of the promised review will be closely watched by an industry that balances critical national oversight with significant operational cost challenges.
Further details on the timeline and scope of the tariff review are anticipated from relevant government ministries in the coming weeks.
