Tag: Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Wednesday appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant tax reliefs, value-added tax (VAT) exemptions, and access to low-interest loans to support the survival and sustainability of Nigeria’s media industry.

President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, who made the appeal during the opening ceremony of the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2025) held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, said the media’s financial viability is critical to the health of the nation’s democracy.

The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” attracted over 400 editors from across the country.

Anaba noted that although the media is constitutionally recognised under Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as the fourth estate of the realm, its ability to perform that watchdog role effectively depends on its economic stability.

“Without economic sustainability, our constitutional and social responsibilities become ineffective. We seek legislative and executive assistance to make our businesses viable while performing our public duties. The media today is distressed. Most houses cannot pay salaries—not because they are not working hard, but because the cost of production has become prohibitive”, he said.

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The NGE President proposed several fiscal measures to alleviate the financial burden on media organisations, including five to ten years of corporate tax relief, VAT exemptions on essential media equipment, and tax incentives for companies that advertise in verified Nigerian outlets.

“We are asking for intervention to help us stay in business. “Corporate tax reliefs for five to ten years will enable media houses to stabilise, meet operating costs, and sustain their watchdog role. Similarly, VAT exemptions should be granted on essential media tools, as practised in countries like Canada, India, and South Africa”, he said.

He further urged the federal government to establish a low-interest loan scheme through the Bank of Industry or the Development Bank of Nigeria to help media organisations upgrade infrastructure, expand reach, and create jobs.

Anaba also proposed the creation of a Digital Transition and Innovation Fund to support multimedia storytelling and data journalism, while safeguarding editorial independence.

“This is not a bribe to the media. Across the world, governments and development institutions support their media to stay viable. We appeal to Your Excellency to incentivise corporations to advertise in local media through tax credits. This will redirect revenue to Nigerian journalists, strengthen investigative reporting, and reduce dependence on foreign grants”, he clarified.

On press freedom, the NGE President called for the repeal of laws that inhibit media operations and advocated the establishment of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter to be endorsed by the Presidency and backed by the legislature and judiciary.

“Democratic governance flourishes only where citizens are well-informed and where the media acts as a credible, independent watchdog. Editors will continue to defend the sanctity of truth and hold power accountable, not as adversaries of government, but as partners in national progress”, Anaba said.

He urged government at all levels to recognise journalism as a public good deserving of targeted fiscal incentives and developmental support, stressing that a free, responsible, and vibrant press remains indispensable to democracy.

“When the press thrives, democracy breathes; when the press is stifled, democracy suffocates. Governance becomes more transparent and citizens are better informed when journalists are respected, protected, and granted access to information”, he warned.

Reinforcing the conference theme, Anaba underscored that editors play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, fostering unity, and promoting national dialogue.

“The pen must never become an instrument of division or hate. It should be a tool for healing, peacebuilding, and national cohesion. Editorial judgment must reflect balance, fairness, and patriotism”, he said.

He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to ethical journalism, professional development, and the defence of press freedom, urging editors nationwide to recommit to the ideals of democracy and truth.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and illegal detention of journalists exercising their rights to freedom of the press.

In a communique jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, at the end of the guild’s Standing Committee meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the body of Nigerian editors stated that it would no longer tolerate an abuse of the Cybercrime Act (Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) in which law enforcement agents, particularly the police, harass and illegally detain journalists, thereby undermining democracy and the rule of law.

The guild pledged to deploy all legal means to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of journalists, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression.

It reminded security agencies that the Ombudsman process instituted by the Nigerian Press Organisation is capable of addressing infractions of the Code of Journalism Ethics, as has been proven in the past.

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The editors urged security agencies to respect this process by encouraging those who write petitions and make them the arbiter to approach the Ombudsman or seek legal redress instead of making security agencies a tool of oppression, intimidation, and harassment.

The NGE urged the Federal Government and all security agencies to be more proactive and effective in tackling banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes and other vices to save lives, boost food security and create an atmosphere that is more conducive for the citizens to live and thrive.

It stressed the need for a thorough review of the Cybercrime Act and its use for the original intention, which is to fight cybercrime in relation to financial fraud, identity theft, and attacks on computer systems, among others.

The editors urged journalists to always adhere to the Code of Ethics approved by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) and avoid any form of blackmail or defamation.

“The conduct of politicians is worrisome, whether in government or the opposition. They should desist from personal attacks and name-calling. They should address issues of governance and proffer solutions. Careless talks heat up the polity, incite people, instigate crises, and are capable of causing breach of peace and security of the nation. This should stop forthwith,” the NGE said.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Federal Government to put more safety nets in place to address hardship, rising inflation and increasing poverty.

It said despite occasional slight pump price reduction, widespread unemployment and disaffection remain.

The Editors recommended a holistic approach to addressing insecurity, including enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing and strategic partnerships.

They lauded the breakthrough in the ongoing war against terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of two militant groups on Nigeria’s most wanted list – the heads of Ansaru, an al-Qaida-linked group, and Mahmuda.

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These demands were contained in a communique issued at the end of the NGE Standing Committee meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The Guild exco deliberated on critical issues affecting the media, including the welfare of members.

It reviewed the state of the nation and came out with resolutions.

One was the need for the Federal Government to implement more safety nets in the face of hardship.

The Editors noted that banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and criminal herders’ menace adversely affect agriculture.

The Guild, in the communique signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, called on the Federal Government to urgently address the situation to avert a food crisis.

NGE condemned the growing hostilities against media organisations as well as professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors, and called on governments to continue to partner with the media to deepen and protect democracy.

The Guild warned against attempts to weaken the media, which will limit access to information and create a disconnect between the public and reality.

The Editors thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in delivering the dividends of democracy.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has underscored the need for security agencies and the media to collaborate for the promotion of national peace and stability.

The guild noted that editors and journalists need to promote responsible journalism practices and that the media and government must prioritise peace and inclusion, as well as work towards building a stronger and more united nation.

This was part of the resolutions at the NGE’s 2025 biennial conference in Enugu with the theme: Nation’s Security Future: Harnessing Diversity for Peace/Stability and the Media’s Role.

The editors emphasised that a nation’s security and stability could be enhanced by leveraging its diversity, with the media playing a crucial role in promoting the goal.

A communique signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, highlighted key resolutions, including media practices promoting diversity and representation as well as avoiding one-sided stories and sensationalism, considering the consequences of reporting certain things.

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The communique read: “The government must see the media as a profession of patriots who have the interest of the nation at heart; the government should equip the military and other security agencies with the requisite and modern weapons needed to ensure security.

“Security agencies should step up intelligence gathering and be proactive in handling security challenges.

“The legislature should look into laws that inhibit media practices in the spirit of democracy.”

Also, the guild conducted an election, which returned Anaba as its president.

The new executives were advised to maintain the cardinal objectives of the guild – the preservation of the standards of journalism practice, ensure adherence to the code of ethics, and defend the rights of its members.

The NGE also resolved to explore ways to empower members by working with the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Online Publishers to establish a Media Trust Fund.

The guild praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for hosting the convention and for his developmental strides in the last two years.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has suspended one of its members, Mr. Steve Osuji, for violating the “off record” provision in the Code of Ethics for journalists in Nigeria.

In a press statement by Mr. Eze Anaba (President) and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (General Secretary), the Guild stated that there was an agreement that the keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at its 25th Biennial National Convention in Enugu was off-the-record and not for publication.

The Guild said that despite announcing this agreement, “a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.”

The professional body said it takes “this professional misconduct seriously and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body for one year, effective immediately”.

The NGE apologised to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions, while reaffirming its “commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics.”

The NGE said that “Mr. Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.”

The Guild also restated its dedication “to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.”

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Full text of NGE’s press statement

At the 25th Biennial National Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held in Enugu, a keynote address was delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, under the explicit agreement that his presentation was off-record and not for publication.

Despite this agreement, a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.

The NGE takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body, effective immediately.

Mr Osuji’s action doesn’t represent who we are – as members of a respected professional body in the media landscape.

Indeed, our investigation confirmed that Mr. Osuji’s actions compromised the integrity of our profession.

“Off record” conversations are a crucial aspect of journalistic practice, allowing sources to share sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality. A breach of such agreement undermines trust and can have serious consequences.

“We apologise to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions.

“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics. Mr. Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.

“The NGE remains dedicated to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.”