Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Femi Soneye, has urged the Federal Government to introduce targeted incentives that will strengthen the Nigerian media industry.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Soneye said tax reliefs and import duty waivers on critical media tools such as newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure would go a long way in addressing the sector’s challenges.
He noted that despite being one of the most vibrant in Africa, the Nigerian media continues to struggle with systemic challenges that threaten its sustainability.
“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges — financial, political, legal, and technological — 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,” he said.
Beyond tax reliefs, Soneye also called for the establishment of an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation. He cited similar models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada as examples Nigeria could draw from.
The NUJ leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, alongside the Deputy Chair, Secretary-General, and other executives, praised Soneye as a consummate professional who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in the communications field.
The award highlights his long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his continued advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable Nigerian media sector.
