Ex-NNPC spokesman Femi Soneye urges FG to grant tax incentives for media sustainability

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, including tax reliefs and import duty waivers, to strengthen the Nigerian media industry.

Soneye made the call in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the Excellence in Corporate Communications Award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council.

The NUJ FCT leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, praised Soneye’s professionalism and outstanding contributions to journalism and corporate communications.

Other members of the council’s executive team, including the deputy chairperson and secretary-general, also lauded him as a consummate professional who has consistently demonstrated tact, innovation, and excellence in the communications space.

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In his acceptance speech, Soneye highlighted the resilience of the Nigerian media but stressed that the sector continues to face multifaceted challenges.

“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,” he said.

“The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure.”

Beyond fiscal support, Soneye urged the government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and digital newsroom innovation.

He referenced models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada, where such funds have helped enhance press freedom and improve industry sustainability.

The recognition, according to the NUJ, reflects Soneye’s long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and resilient Nigerian media.