President Bola Tinubu has pledged support for Nigeria’s media industry in its push for fair revenue from global technology companies, promising policy measures to ease economic pressures.
Speaking at an inter-faith dinner with a delegation from the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), Tinubu described the press as an “indispensable partner” in democracy and economic stability.
He assured media leaders that his administration would back efforts against anti-competitive practices and the dominance of big tech firms.
The President said the government was reviewing tariff exemptions on key media materials, including newsprint, printing plates, chemicals, and broadcast equipment, which currently attract 5–10 per cent tariffs.
If approved, these items could enjoy relief similar to educational and research materials.
Media executives highlighted the growing threat from global tech platforms, including scraping content to train artificial intelligence models, sometimes bypassing paywalls, and depriving Nigerian outlets of significant revenue.
The industry estimates these practices could cost as much as 70 per cent of potential income, resulting in job losses.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris confirmed discussions with major tech firms, including Meta and Google, emphasising a commitment to a fair digital ecosystem that protects local content creators.
The NPO delegation included prominent media leaders such as Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Dr. John Momoh, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and Eze Anaba. Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior aides also attended.
Tinubu’s engagement followed warnings earlier this year that the influence of global technology platforms poses an existential threat to Nigeria’s media sector.
