Cynthia Ezegwu
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Wednesday referred to as on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to undertake fiscal and authorized measures to assist the survival of the nation’s media homes, warning {that a} weakened press threatens democracy and nationwide cohesion.
The attraction was made by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, throughout his opening tackle on the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) held on the Presidential Villa, Abuja. President Tinubu was in attendance on the convention.
Anaba harassed that editors have a constitutional obligation to tell residents, deepen accountability, and maintain energy to account “as constructive partners, not adversaries,” however can solely fulfil this mandate if their organisations stand up to excessive manufacturing prices and authorized threats.
“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,” he stated, citing Section 22 of the Constitution, which mandates the media to uphold the aims of the state and guarantee authorities accountability.
The NGE President offered a five-point media rescue package deal to the President and lawmakers, which incorporates:
• Corporate tax reliefs for five–10 years to stabilise media operations.
• VAT exemptions on important inputs similar to newsprint, plates, and broadcast gear.
• Tax incentives for big companies to promote in credible Nigerian shops.
• Low-interest loans by way of the Bank of Industry or Development Bank of Nigeria to modernise gear and create jobs.
• Establishment of a media improvement fund for digital transition, managed by an impartial board to assist information journalism and multimedia storytelling.
Anaba highlighted the rising price of operations, noting {that a} ton of newsprint now prices between N1.3 million and N1.4 million, adequate for under a day or two of printing. “If the media cannot keep jobs by paying salaries, it cannot help our democracy,” he stated.
He additionally referred to as for a authorized reset to safeguard press freedom, together with the repeal of legal guidelines inhibiting free expression, submission of the Guild’s evaluate to the Minister of Information and the House management, and creation of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to guard journalists from arbitrary arrests and guarantee entry to data.
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Framing the convention theme “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” and sub-theme “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027”, Anaba urged editors to rise above division, reject hate speech, and focus protection on underserved communities and battle zones.
He lauded the evolution of ANEC since 2004 into Nigeria’s largest annual gathering of editors and media leaders, noting its position in shaping nationwide reflection and coverage over twenty years.
Anaba additionally urged editors and publishers to embrace expertise with out compromising ethics, recommit to equity and patriotism, and generate sensible concepts that rebuild public belief and strengthen democracy forward of the 2027 elections.
“The pen must never be a tool for division, but for healing and bridge-building. A free, responsible and vibrant press is the lifeblood of any democracy,” he stated.
The twenty first ANEC introduced collectively editors, previous Guild leaders, senior media executives, conventional rulers, and companions, with classes targeted on electoral integrity, countering misinformation, and the economics of impartial journalism.
