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| Mr. Femi Soneye (c) with his award and others |
Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Femi Soneye, has passionately urged the Federal Government to bolster the sustainability of the Nigerian media through strategic incentives.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Soneye called for critical support measures such as tax reliefs and import duty exemptions on vital media equipment to ensure the survival and growth of journalism in the country.
His appeal came shortly after he was honored with the prestigious NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, FCT Council.
Soneye emphasized that these government interventions are crucial for maintaining independent, vibrant, and resilient media institutions that play a key role in Nigeria’s democratic development.
In his remarks, Soneye noted that while the Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continues to grapple with systemic challenges that weaken its effectiveness.
“The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges, financial, political, legal, and technological 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,” he said.
He also urged the Federal Government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada.
On their part, NUJ leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, alongside the Deputy Chair, Secretary-General, and other executive members, described Soneye as a consummate professional, who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in the communications field.
The award underscores Soneye’s long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable Nigerian media.
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