President Tinubu Addresses Media Concerns on Tariffs and Welfare
President Bola Tinubu is actively considering the concerns raised by media executives during an iftar meeting in Abuja last month, particularly regarding tariffs impacting the industry. This update was shared by Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris on Sunday.
Idris, who briefed reporters after a meeting with the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, noted that one of Tinubu’s initial inquiries was about the well-being of media executives following the March 13 meeting.
The Minister remarked that during their discussions, numerous issues were brought to the fore, all of which the President reviewed thoughtfully. “He asked for my opinion on these matters, and I provided my insights. Ultimately, he will decide on the best ways to support the media in enhancing its operations,” he added.
At the interfaith iftar dinner with media leaders on March 13, President Tinubu committed to reviewing tariffs on newspaper and broadcasting materials that affect the industry’s operations. He acknowledged the importance of these discussions for media leaders, indicating his intention to address any issues that may have gone unresolved.
Idris, who met with the President on Easter Sunday, characterized their encounter as routine. “This is a standard procedure we follow periodically. It was important for me to offer him further insights,” he explained. During this meeting, the President also urged Nigerians to continue voicing their perspectives on national issues, underscoring his commitment to staying engaged with the populace.
The Minister conveyed that President Tinubu is keen on fostering national unity and patriotism, particularly in addressing security challenges. “He recently returned from Jos, and the security situation is a priority for him. He is committed to collaborating with security agencies and seeking regional and international partnerships to achieve lasting peace,” Idris reported.
In discussing the significance of Tinubu’s meeting with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno coinciding with his visit to Jos, Idris highlighted the importance of regional cooperation. “Terrorism knows no borders, and addressing security in the Sahel region is crucial for Nigeria’s stability,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, the President’s dialogue with international partners—including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom—also centers on addressing insecurity. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the positive assessments from international development partners and financial institutions regarding Nigeria’s reforms, reinforcing the idea that these changes are beneficial to the nation.
During the March 13 iftar, Tinubu urged the media to extend their oversight to state and local governments, which have benefited from increased fiscal autonomy due to his administration’s reforms. He noted that no state is currently resorting to borrowing for salary payments. The President also reassured attendees of his commitment to staying informed about national events, mentioning his daily habit of reading Nigerian newspapers.
The iftar gathering included representatives from the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, the Broadcasting Authority of Nigeria, the Editors Guild of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. Following the recent inauguration of the Gateway Cargo International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, and visits to families affected by the recent violence in Jos, Tinubu is currently observing Easter holidays in Lagos.
