President Bola Tinubu is reviewing media industry concerns over tariffs on newspaper and broadcasting materials, following a meeting with media executives during an interfaith Iftar in Abuja on March 13. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after a briefing with Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Easter Sunday. Idris said the President specifically inquired about the welfare of media executives, asking, "how are they faring?" particularly in relation to issues raised at the March 13 gathering. Tinubu had promised at the Iftar to revisit tariff policies affecting media operations, stating, "I've listened carefully to you… if I miss that, I'll go back to rectify it." Idris confirmed that he has submitted his input on the matter and that the President will make a final decision on how to support the media. The minister described the Easter meeting as routine, noting that Tinubu is currently on break in Lagos. He also relayed the President's call for Nigerians to reflect deeply and act patriotically as he works to resolve security challenges. Tinubu recently visited Jos and met with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno the same day, discussing regional security cooperation. Idris emphasized that terrorism has no borders and that collaboration with neighbours and international partners, including the US, EU and UK, is critical. He added that international financial institutions have given Nigeria positive feedback on ongoing economic reforms.
Tinubu's personal follow-up on media tariffs, prompted by a single Iftar meeting, suggests a rare openness to sector-specific lobbying at the highest level. For a press corps grappling with rising operational costs, this could mean targeted relief—if the review translates into policy. The fact that the President asked specifically about media welfare hints at a strategic appreciation of the industry's role in shaping public perception of his reforms. Still, many media houses will wait for concrete action before measuring the weight of his words.
