At NUJ’s FCT Awards Night in Abuja, the former NNPC spokesman urges government to back journalism with tax breaks, duty waivers, and a media development fund.
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja — August 19, 2025
Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Femi Soneye, has called on the Federal Government to introduce bold fiscal measures to rescue the Nigerian media industry from mounting financial and technological pressures.
Soneye made the appeal on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Abuja, shortly after receiving the Excellence in Corporate Communications Award at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council Awards Night.
“Our media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, yet systemic challenges weaken its effectiveness. Government intervention through tax incentives and import duty relief on newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital tools can significantly ease these burdens,” Soneye told journalists at the ceremony.
He explained that beyond tax relief, Nigeria must establish a Media Development Fund to support investigative reporting, sustain community radio, and drive newsroom innovation. He cited successful models already in place in South Africa, the United States, and Canada, stressing that Nigeria could learn from their experience.
The awards night, which attracted veteran journalists, editors, and media stakeholders, also celebrated other outstanding practitioners who have contributed to the growth of the profession.
Presenting Soneye’s award, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, praised his enduring commitment to journalism. “You have stood with journalists both as a practitioner and as a media owner. Your advocacy for welfare, training, and ethical journalism has distinguished you as an icon in this field,” she said.
She added that the council recognised his consistent support for NUJ members’ welfare and his promotion of balanced, ethical reporting, qualities she said younger journalists should emulate.
The colourful event not only honoured excellence but also amplified urgent calls for government action to strengthen Nigeria’s media, which continues to grapple with financial constraints, political interference, and digital disruption.
