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| File photo of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu |
Awarenessinfo media has gathered that President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian media to hold states and local governments accountable for the substantial resources they have been receiving from the federal government, emphasizing that his administration's reform policies have made more funds available to the federating units.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, on Friday, March 14, 2026, President Tinubu stressed that the media should demand accountability, development, and service from other tiers of government, as the federal government's efforts have led to a significant increase in funds available for sharing under the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
According to President Tinubu, the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023 led to a 62% increase in FAAC allocation between 2023 and 2025, driven by subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments. States received over N570 billion in additional support as livelihood expenditures to cushion the effects of hardship.
However, critics argue that there is little to show for the sharp increase in allocation at both state and local government levels. President Tinubu reiterated that his administration took the decision to reform the economy to save Nigeria from total collapse.
Addressing the challenges faced by the media industry, President Tinubu promised to address issues of tariffs on newspapers and broadcasting materials to empower the media to discharge its constitutional role effectively.
He commended media owners, editors, and journalists for their commitment to informing, educating, and keeping citizens abreast of developments.
"I accepted my predecessor's assets and liabilities because I applied for the job and was given the job. So I have to do it. But if anybody tells you it's easy, it's a lie," President Tinubu stated, emphasizing that leadership requires making tough decisions at the right time.
He thanked the media for their criticisms, which he said challenged and inspired him at critical moments. "I thank you for your criticism at the beginning of the administration. You challenged me. Thank you for inspiring and challenging me at a critical moment in my life."
President Tinubu highlighted the nation's progress, stating, "Can you imagine a nation that owes airlines for ticket reimbursements and faces galloping exchange rates and inflation? Today, I can stand proudly before you and say that we are back from the brink."
Regarding tariffs affecting the media industry, President Tinubu said, "We discussed issues of tariffs this afternoon. What I cannot report back here is whether I took action in the areas that affect you. But if I missed that, I will go back to rectifying whatever was necessary."
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed confidence in President Tinubu's leadership, assuring him that the Nigerian media have high expectations for his administration's ability to steer the nation toward lasting progress.
Olusegun Osoba, Grand Patron of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), commended President Tinubu for the bold steps taken by his administration, introducing transformative policies geared towards transforming the nation's economy.
Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay newspapers and President of the Nigeria Press Organisation, sought President Tinubu's intervention on import tariffs on newsprint and broadcast equipment, commending him for maintaining a cordial relationship with the media.
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