Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Femi Soneye, has appealed to the Federal Government to support the Nigerian media with tax incentives and relief on import duties for essential tools.
Soneye made the call on Tuesday in Abuja after a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by Chairperson Grace Ike.
He explained that while Nigeria boasts one of the most vibrant media industries in Africa, it continues to face serious financial and technological pressures.
“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges, financial, political, legal, and technological that weaken its effectiveness,” Soneye said.
He urged the government to step in with supportive policies.
“The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure,” he added.
Soneye also recommended the creation of an independent media development fund to boost investigative journalism, support community radio, and drive newsroom innovation.
According to him, similar models exist in countries like South Africa, the United States, and Canada, where the state provides structured assistance to strengthen the press.
