President Bola Tinubu has praised the media's instrumental role in Nigeria’s 25-year journey of uninterrupted democracy, attributing the country’s democratic stability to the unwavering commitment of journalists and media professionals. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Tinubu, represented by Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the critical role of the media in ensuring a free and vibrant democratic system.
In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy would not have been possible without the persistent efforts of the media. He expressed deep gratitude to media personalities, celebrating their contributions both in the past and in the present as the country marks 25 years of unbroken democratic governance. The President noted that many veteran journalists in the room had played vital roles during Nigeria’s pro democracy struggle, underscoring the deep connection between the media and the nation’s democratic successes.
Tinubu highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the government and the media, stressing that both are essential in serving the public interest. The media has a vital duty to hold elected officials accountable, ensuring that democracy remains robust and transparent. However, he also pointed out that this work must be done with mutual respect and collaboration, rather than through conflict or opposition. This cooperative approach, he argued, allows both the government and the media to work toward common goals that benefit the society at large.
In any thriving democracy, the roles of government and the media are intertwined, both essential to serving the public interest, he said, emphasizing that a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect creates an environment where democracy can flourish.
In addition to celebrating media’s role in democracy, President Tinubu discussed his administration’s ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. He highlighted significant economic reforms, such as the reduction of the country’s debt service to revenue ratio from 100% to 65%, which have paved the way for a potential economic recovery. The President stated that his administration is building a foundation for a prosperous future, one that will rekindle faith in Nigeria’s potential.
He also reiterated his commitment to diversifying Nigeria's economy, which remains heavily reliant on oil. The President revealed initiatives like the Presidential Initiative on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), which is set to reduce transportation costs by about 60% and foster a cleaner, more sustainable environment. His administration is also heavily investing in other sectors, including technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, to ensure long term economic stability.
One of the key decisions under Tinubu's administration has been the removal of the fuel subsidy, a costly policy that had drained billions from the country’s coffers. He also discussed reforms in Nigeria’s foreign exchange system aimed at curbing abuses and fostering a more productive economy. These steps, according to the President, are meant to transition Nigeria from a consumption based economy to a production oriented one, thus creating more sustainable growth.
Tinubu pointed out that while oil continues to be an important source of revenue, his government is determined to diversify the economy. Nigeria is richly endowed with human and natural resources that could place us among the world’s most prosperous nations, he said, underscoring that the question now is how to transform these resources into real growth and development. He added that his vision, encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda, is aimed at ensuring no Nigerian is left behind in poverty or disease.
Tinubu also shared key successes from the ongoing reforms, including a significant drop in the country’s debt service to brevenue ratio and increased revenue for federal, state, and local governments. These funds are being reinvested in critical areas such as education, social security, and infrastructure development. The President also noted that his administration had implemented a new minimum wage of N70,000 across federal establishments, with many states committing to follow suit. Furthermore, over 46,000 students are benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and 500,000 civil servants are set to benefit from a new Consumer Credit Scheme.
At the conference, the Chairman of the event, Nduka Obiagbena, called on editors to support the President’s economic reforms, noting that these changes could lead to a brighter future for Nigeria if the media plays its part in ensuring their success. He also stressed the importance of revitalizing Nigeria’s four refineries, managed by the NNPC, to create competition, especially with the Dangote Group’s refinery, which is already operational.
In terms of challenges, veteran journalist Sam Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, spoke about the difficulties facing the media industry, particularly the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on transportation costs, which has made newspaper distribution increasingly unsustainable. He commended the resilience of Eze Anaba, the Editor of Vanguard, for his leadership in ensuring the paper’s survival amid these financial constraints. Many journalists, Amuka noted, are struggling with the rising costs of living, including the soaring price of fuel, which has led to situations where journalists are pooling resources to share fuel for transportation.
Finally, veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, called on the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to address the ongoing leadership crisis in the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). He lamented that the NUJ had not held elections in two years, a situation that has led to uncertainty within the union. Osoba urged the NGE to step in and help resolve this leadership vacuum to ensure the stability and progress of the media industry.
As Nigeria celebrates 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, President Tinubu’s address underscored the critical role the media has played in the country’s democratic journey. His administration’s economic reforms and vision for a diversified, production driven economy reflect a commitment to building a more prosperous Nigeria. However, the challenges facing the media industry, especially in light of economic difficulties, highlight the need for continued collaboration between the government and the press to ensure that both democracy and the economy continue to thrive.