Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Femi Soneye, has called on the federal government to support the Nigerian media with targeted incentives, including tax reliefs and import duty waivers on essential media tools.
Mr Soneye made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award, conferred on him by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
He noted that while the Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continues to grapple with systemic challenges that weaken its effectiveness.
“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.
Mr Soneye also urged the federal government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.
The award underscores his long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable Nigerian media.
Mr Soneye resigned as NNPC spokesperson in June after close to two years in office.
The NUJ leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, alongside her deputy, secretary-general, and other executives, described the former NNPCL as a consummate professional who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in the communications field.