Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Femi Soneye, has appealed to the Federal Government to provide targeted incentives to the Nigerian media, including tax reliefs and import duty waivers on essential tools of practice.
Soneye made the call in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the Excellence in Corporate Communications Award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
Speaking at the ceremony, he highlighted the resilience of Nigerian media but stressed that it continues to battle deep-rooted financial, political, legal, and technological challenges.
“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges 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,” Soneye said.
He further urged the government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, citing successful models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.
The NUJ FCT Council, led by Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike, commended Soneye as a consummate professional whose career reflects excellence, integrity, and dedication to media advancement.
“You have always stood with journalists, not only as a media owner but also as a practitioner who understands our struggles. Your advocacy for welfare, training, and ethical reporting has set you apart as an icon in this profession,” Ike stated.
The award, according to the NUJ, is in recognition of Soneye’s long-standing contributions to journalism, corporate communications, and his consistent support for media practitioners across the country.
