President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigerian media to play a stronger role in deepening federalism by paying closer attention to governance at the state and local government levels.
The President made the call when he hosted leaders of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) at an interfaith Iftar held at the State House, Abuja, to mark the Ramadan and Lenten fasting period.
Addressing the gathering of media executives and editors, Tinubu said the press has a critical responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability beyond the federal level, particularly as reforms have created opportunities for greater grassroots development.
“We’ve opened up the principle of federalism to the extent that local governments are now getting their money. But how they use it is in your hands. Don’t bombard me alone; look out to the local government too,” the President said.
He noted that state governments are also enjoying improved fiscal conditions and should therefore be subjected to proper scrutiny to ensure responsible management of public resources.
“Equally the sub-nationals are enjoying the freedom. Today, there is no state that is borrowing to pay salaries of employees,” he said.
The President emphasised that national progress requires collective effort from leaders, institutions and citizens, stressing that the media remains an indispensable partner in building a stronger nation.
“We can complain it is not enough. We can complain we are not where we should be, but we have to manage what we have to sustain today, survive tomorrow and make progress. It is a collective responsibility, you, myself and those people that we assign,” President Tinubu added.
Responding to requests from media organisations for tariff adjustments on newspaper and broadcasting materials, Tinubu said discussions had already taken place on the matter.
“We discussed issues of tariffs this afternoon. What I cannot report back here is whether I took action in the areas that affect you. But if I missed that, I will go back to rectifying whatever was necessary.”
The President commended media owners, editors and journalists for their role in informing and educating the public while also creating employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.
He also reflected on the difficult economic decisions taken by his administration, noting that leadership often requires making tough choices at critical moments.
“Leadership must, as a matter of responsibility, make decisions at the best time. Yes, I accepted my predecessor’s assets and liabilities because I applied for the job and was given the job. So I have to do it. But if anybody tells you it’s easy, it’s a lie. I thank you for your criticism at the beginning of the administration. You challenged me. Thank you for inspiring and challenging me at a critical moment in my life.
“But having asked for the job and got it, I can’t look back other than to make corrections as I move along. We had to save the nation and bring it back from the brink. Can you imagine a nation that owes airlines for ticket reimbursements and faces galloping exchange rates and inflation?”
According to the President, the reforms implemented by his administration have helped stabilise the economy after a difficult period.
“At the time we had to confront the subsidy, Nigeria was tilting on the edge of bankruptcy. Leadership comes with the responsibility of taking decisions when they ought to be taken; otherwise it is a failure,” he said.
“Today I can stand proudly before you that we are back from that brink.”
Tinubu also addressed the growing influence of global technology companies on the media industry, assuring stakeholders that the Federal Government would support initiatives aimed at protecting Nigeria’s media ecosystem.
He pointed to emerging local platforms such as Lekeelekee, backed by media entrepreneur Nduka Obaigbena, as examples of innovations that deserve support.
“Don’t mind the screaming sometimes. I’m glad the Duke is sponsoring Lekeelekee while we are talking about Google and external interference in our affairs.
“We will run with the stick with you and say ‘Nigeria we hail thee.’ We will survive the challenges,” President Tinubu added.
