Print Industry Leader Hails Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria-First’ Policy, Urges Support for Local Book Production

By Ranmilowo Ojalumo

The Chief Executive Officer of Yaliam Press Ltd, Alhaji Yahaya Amfani, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent approval of the “Nigeria-First” Economic Policy.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Yaliam press boss praised the policy as a “bold and patriotic” initiative aimed at prioritizing locally manufactured goods and services in government procurement.

According to Alhaji Amfani, the policy marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive toward industrial growth and economic self-reliance. He noted that the policy implementation could have a transformative impact on the printing and allied industries, particularly in the production of textbooks and instructional materials.

While looking at the positive impact of the policy on local printing industry, Alhaji Amfani highlighted that the policy echoes the long-standing campaign led by the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), formerly championed by late president Aderemi Lawal and the immediate past president, Olugbemi Molomo, under the slogan “Let Nigeria Printing Jobs Remain in Nigeria.”

While identifying several anticipated benefits of the policy, to the printing industry, the Yaliam Press boss pointed out that the policy will spur an increased demand for affordable textbooks and instructional materials in schools, lead to a boost in government patronage for locally produced materials, promote local content to enhance economic development and as well lead to an expansion of the printing sector and creation of job opportunities.

Alhaji Amfani stressed that the policy will likely attract support from key institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Customs Service, and the Bank of Industry (BOI) among others.

He appealed to the bodies and other agencies to implement measures that will complement the policy’s objectives, such as offering loans to printers, reviewing import duties, and ensuring easier access to printing equipment and raw materials.

In alignment with President Tinubu’s free education agenda, Alhaji Amfani proposed several measures to help reduce the cost of educational materials, calling on the federal government to mandate the Federal Ministry of Education and parastatals to procure only locally produced textbooks and instructional materials.

He also urged the government to restrict the importation of printed materials to promote local production, provide incentives to publishers who patronize Nigerian printers and as well require foreign investors in the printing industry to partner with Nigerian entities with significant shareholding.

While lauding President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reform and local content development, Alhaji Amfani expressed optimism that the administration’s policies will reposition the Nigerian printing industry and ensure long-term industrial sustainability.

“Mr. President, please let Nigeria Printing Jobs remain in Nigeria,” Amfani appealed.