In a recent communique, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has called on the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to expedite economic reform programs now that elections are over.
The association emphasised the need for the government to provide essential relief to the citizens promptly.
During its Annual General Meeting on November 8 at the Secretariat in Maryland, Lagos, the NPAN reviewed the nation’s state, economy, and the print media industry.
The communique, signed by NPAN President Mallam Yusuf Kabiru and General Secretary Mrs. Angela Emuwa, highlighted the urgency of addressing economic challenges.
Concerns were raised by the newspaper proprietors regarding the insufficient paper culture for educating and mobilising Nigeria’s citizens.
Despite the country’s size and youthful population, the association emphasised the need for a robust paper culture.
The NPAN called on the government to review policies related to the paper industry to foster educational development and support the newspaper sector.
The communique also pointed out that the poor state of the newspaper industry reflects a less robust democratic state.
The NPAN underscored the vital role of a vibrant print media in contributing to strong democracies and urged the government to prioritise policies that enhance both education and the growth of the newspaper sector.
“It is concerning that a nation of Nigeria’s size and youthful population lacks a robust paper culture for the education and mobilisation of its citizens.
“The analysis revealed the alarming condition of the newspaper business in Nigeria, highlighting the concerning fact that no newsprint is produced locally.
“This underscores the urgent need for the Federal Government to review its policies on the paper industry, aiming to promote both education and the development of the newspaper sector.”
