The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, has called on Nigerian editors to strengthen their role as government watchdogs.
Oye emphasized that the media’s vigilance is crucial to the country’s economic revival while addressing attendees at the 2024 All Nigerian Editors Conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing significant economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the exchange rate, and an increase in the national minimum wage.
However, Oye stressed that these reforms must be carefully monitored to ensure they are fully beneficial to Nigerians.
The media must hold the government accountable,” the NACCIMA president urged, adding that this vigilance would help prevent waste and mismanagement that hinder economic growth.
Oye highlighted that Tinubu’s policies had spurred foreign investments, revived oil production, and doubled government revenue.
Yet, he cautioned that these gains were not evenly felt across Nigeria.
Despite reforms, Oye noted that “56 per cent of Nigerians now live below the poverty line,” underscoring that economic hardship persists for millions.
He identified poor resource management, especially in the oil and gas sector, as a critical area where the media’s oversight could drive change.
Oye referenced recent reports on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) crude-for-loan deals worth billions of Naira, pointing out that “transparency is critically needed,” hence, calling for a thorough examination of the government’s approach to resource-backed loans.
Further, the NACCIMA president criticized the Central Bank’s high-interest policies, which he said were stifling business growth.
“This has led banks to prefer investing in bonds rather than supporting businesses,” Oye noted, pointing to the impact of these policies on entrepreneurship.
To ensure sustainable growth, Oye advised media houses to invest in investigative journalism and in-depth research. By bolstering their credibility, he argued, they could attract more sponsors and tap into international opportunities.
Oye concluded by challenging the Nigerian Guild of Editors to take decisive action to restore public trust and advocate for transparency.
“The power to transform lies within our collective hands as we embark on this journey of economic revival,” he remarked, urging editors to prioritize the interests of Nigerians and act as agents of constructive change.
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