Abuja, Nigeria |August 20, 2025
ABUJA — Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Femi Soneye, has reiterated calls for government support and tax reliefs to ease the financial strain on Nigeria’s media industry.
Soneye made the appeal on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Abuja, while receiving the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council’s Excellence in Corporate Communications Award.
He noted that despite being one of Africa’s most vibrant, the Nigerian media continues to face “financial, political, legal, and technological” pressures that weaken its effectiveness. He urged the Federal Government to grant tax incentives and waivers on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure.
“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges that weaken its effectiveness. The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure,” Soneye said.
Soneye, who resigned from his role at NNPC Ltd. in June 2025, added that a supportive policy framework would help sustain independent journalism and improve the sector’s contribution to national development.
Government officials had not immediately responded to his proposals as of press time.
