The Delta State Government has announced plans to set up a fully functional and commercially viable printing press to cater to the printing needs of government agencies and the general public.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inter-ministerial budget defence session at the Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba.
Aniagwu explained that the initiative, championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, aims to enhance the efficiency of government printing operations while generating sustainable revenue for the state.
He attributed the delay in the project’s progress to the limited number of qualified proposals received so far, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and healthy competition in the procurement process.
“We want to have multiple submissions from professionals in the field so that we can make a proper comparative assessment, not only in terms of cost but also in the brands and quality of machines to be acquired and installed,” Aniagwu said.
According to him, the proposed printing press is not intended for The Pointer Newspapers alone, but to serve as a central facility for the state’s broad range of printing needs.
“The state government has a substantial volume of printing requirements from files and calendars to diaries and other materials currently handled by private contractors,” he noted.
“For instance, the Ministry of Education’s annual printing budget alone is significant enough to sustain a functional and profitable printing press.”
“The law allows us to have a government printer who does not necessarily have to be a civil servant,” he explained. “This PPP arrangement will ensure that the press handles both government printing requirements and commercial printing services for the general public.”
He expressed optimism that once the press becomes operational, it would address many of the challenges currently facing The Pointer Newspapers and other government printing departments, particularly issues relating to revenue generation and operational sustainability.
“A self-sustaining printing operation will reduce the agency’s dependence on government subventions,” Aniagwu said.
“If they were generating sufficient revenue, the General Manager wouldn’t need to rely solely on the ministry for essentials like vehicles or fuel.”
He commended the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, for his understanding and support, stressing that with the political will of the Oborevwori administration, the project would soon become a reality.
“With the commitment and focus of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, we are confident that the light at the end of the tunnel is much closer than where we are coming from,” Aniagwu added.
