Soneye Urges FG To Sustain Nigerian Media With Tax Reliefs, Duty Waivers
Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr Femi Soneye, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s media industry through targeted incentives such as tax reliefs and import duty waivers on essential media equipment.
Soneye made the call in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
He warned that despite being one of the most vibrant in Africa, the Nigerian media continues to struggle with financial, political, legal and technological challenges that threaten 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, while also advocating the creation of an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio and newsroom innovation.
NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, praised Soneye as a consummate professional who has consistently supported journalists and advanced their welfare, training and ethical reporting.
The award, she said, recognised his enduring contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger and more sustainable Nigerian media.