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Eze Anaba, President, the Nigerian Guild of Editors |
Nigerian editors, organized under the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), have raised concerns about the country's pressing challenges. They warn that the combination of a faltering economy, widespread insecurity, and a struggling media industry could lead the nation into a crisis. In a recent communiqué issued after a standing committee meeting, the NGE called on governments at all levels to address these critical issues with urgency and transparency.
While acknowledging the federal government's economic reforms, the editors expressed serious concern that the impact is becoming "unbearable for the poor." They highlighted high inflation, rising poverty, and a devalued currency as major drivers of widespread hardship. The NGE's statement urged the government to implement more robust social safety nets to cushion the effects of these policies on the most vulnerable citizens.The guild has also previously called for targeted relief measures, such as tax relief, to help media houses and other businesses cope with the economic strain.
The NGE identified persistent insecurity as a significant threat to national stability and economic productivity. While commending recent breakthroughs in the fight against terrorism, the editors called for enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing, and strategic partnerships to address the root causes of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. The communiqué noted that insecurity has particularly devastated the agricultural sector, discouraging farmers from returning to their fields and contributing to the looming food crisis.
The state of Nigeria's education system was another major point of concern. Describing it as being in a "sorry state," the editors urged governments to prioritize the sector through improved funding, infrastructure renewal, and better welfare for educators. They stressed that a robust education system is essential for economic growth, fostering innovation, and building a skilled workforce capable of competing in a global, digitally driven world. The NGE also called on all tiers of government to demonstrate greater commitment and transparency in governance, particularly in addressing the needs of citizens in rural areas.
In a direct address to the threats facing their industry, the editors condemned the growing hostility and attacks on media organizations and professionals by some security agencies and non-state actors. They warned that any attempt to weaken the media would be detrimental to Nigeria's democracy. The communiqué stated, "A weak media may fail to hold those in power accountable, limit access to information, and create a disconnect between the public and reality."
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