By David Torough

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will always uphold media freedom and respect opinions, whether they are adversarial or complimentary to his government.

The president made the pledge on Monday in Abuja during a meeting with members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

Tinubu assured NPAN members that he would carefully consider their request for a review of policies affecting the paper industry, acknowledging concerns about existing regulations hindering local access to newsprint.

Speaking on the challenges faced by travellers during the festive season, the president said the Federal Government is taking measures to alleviate the high cost of transportation by granting waivers to operators in the air, road and rail transport systems.

He said steps are being taken to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

”I care about what is going on in the country. I thank you for your support and opinions, even the criticism of our government. Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as president.

“You have held our feet to the fire and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not. One thing I must say is that I read every paper, various opinions, and columnists,’’ the President said.

Tinubu said his administration will remain steadfast in “reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy,” citing bold decisions by his administration to end the petrol subsidy regime and initiate the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.

”I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people.

“The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation, and education, among others.

“We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in the country.

”Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles,” the minister said.

Commending NPAN for providing a platform for national discourse and for diverse voices, the minister implored the association to collaborate with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values and addressing challenges confronting the nation.

The president of NPAN who is chairman of Media Trust, owners of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Mr. Kabiru Yusuf, while congratulating Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court affirmation, raised pressing concerns facing the newspaper industry.

”Our particular concern is the newspaper industry, which employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators, accountants.

“Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news,” he said.

In another development, Tinubu has asked the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately get to work, warning that non-performance will not be tolerated.

Inaugurating the board at the State House on Monday, Tinubu warned that conducts suggesting a sense of entitlement will not be tolerated and that the board could be dissolved without prior notice to members over non-performance.

“The challenge is corporate governance. Yes, we will improve the security situation. We are working very hard. Sincerely, the Chief Executive Officer Kyari is doing very well and doing all that I know.

“But you could be suddenly dissolved if there is no sustained excellence in performance. It is my honour to inaugurate this board, which has people of great integrity. I am honoured that we are doing this. I recognize all of you,’’ he said.

Tinubu said corporate social responsibility for the Niger Delta must be taken seriously, considering the devastating effects of oil exploration and exploitation on the environment.

“Niger Delta must be seen as the goose that lays the golden egg, and we must treat that region with the deserved respect and care. It is not asking for too much to ensure quality and constant water supply, schools, medical facilities, and roads.

“It is not about us. It is about the well-being of the entire country and the lifeblood of the nation. We should care more about the environment. We will do more for security to minimize stealing and vandalism,’’ he stated.

The president directed that more attention should be given to gas as Nigeria transitions to cleaner energy, adding, “We need to show that we are committed to the welfare of our country.”

“Take a look at the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and know what the pitfalls are. The cabinet members and board should decide what we can do differently for production increase, profitability, and governance. It is in your hands. I will work with you,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure commended the president for the removal of petrol subsidy, noting that the nation would have drowned in debt but for his decisiveness.

“Our focus is to increase production. We must address the problem of stealing and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. We are aware of the efforts in the past, but we will do more,” he said.