The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has urged the federal government to take measures to arrest the prevailing security situation in the country.

NPAN made the call in a statement after its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The statement was signed by Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, publisher of The Guardian newspaper and new President of the association and The Chairman of PUNCH, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, who retains her post as Secretary.

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It called on the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the murder of Brigadier General Musa Uba to ensure national lessons are learned and accountability is established.

The meeting, which commenced with a solemn moment of silence in memory of the late Dan Agbese, a co-founder of Newswatch Magazine and a committed member of the association, commended the government’s structural reforms while also expressing concern that the removal of petrol subsidy and the removal of arbitrage through the unification of the forex windows had exposed citizens to severe economic hardship.

The Association therefore called on the “government to take steps to mitigate the impact of economic reforms by effectively managing inflation.

NPAN called on the three tiers of government to rein in the high costs of governance and corruption.”

On the tax reforms, NPAN acknowledged the potential positive impact of broadening the tax net and called for improved public awareness. It urged that additional revenues should be managed transparently and used to improve citizens’ welfare.

The Association expressed deep regret over heightened insecurity in the country and condemned the killings of senior military officers and the abduction of yet another set of school girls.

“NPAN emphasised the necessity for decisive government action to address economic hardship and stabilise the security situation across all the regions.

“NPAN reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, expressing concerns over the shrinking democratic space and threats to the multi-party democratic system.

“The Association highlighted the foundational importance of free and fair elections, an independent judiciary and the rule of law to a functional democracy. It reiterated the vital role of the media in holding the government accountable and expressed deep concerns over the inadequate regulation of online media platforms.”

NPAN also reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

NPAN commended Malam Kabiru Yusuf, Chairman of Media Trust, who completed his second term as president, for his exemplary leadership and service.

Mallam Yusuf is now a member of the NPAN Board of Trustees.

Apart from Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay, was elected as Deputy President. The former Treasurer and publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, was elected Vice President, and Ahmed I. Shekarau, Group CEO of Trust Media, was elected Treasurer.

The Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP, formerly Assistant Secretary, Azu Ishiekwene, was redesignated Organising Secretary. Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, retained her post as Publicity Secretary. Mr. Ayodele Aminu, Managing Director of The Telegraph newspaper, and Prince Dennis Sami, publisher of Pilot, also retained their positions as ex officio members; while the Chairman of LEADERSHIP, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, was elected as an ex officio member.