Private printing companies under the umbrella of the Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) have strongly opposed a new Federal Government directive mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to patronise only the government-owned printing press. The group described the policy as unfair, economically damaging, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development agenda.
The controversial directive, contained in a leaked circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, prohibits MDAs from outsourcing printing jobs to private firms. Government officials said the measure was aimed at curbing the leak of confidential documents and ensuring document security. The government press is domiciled under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Adekunle Adebambo, and National Secretary, Raymond Nwagwu, GUPPAN acknowledged the government’s concerns about safeguarding sensitive materials but warned that the blanket restriction would cripple Nigeria’s multi-trillion-naira printing industry. According to the association, the directive threatens to throw thousands of workers into unemployment, waste decades of private sector investments in infrastructure and technology, and deter future investors from committing resources to the industry.
The printers’ body also argued that the Federal Government’s press lacks the nationwide capacity to meet the diverse printing needs of MDAs. It recalled that private firms had successfully handled major national assignments, including the production of sensitive materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Excluding private operators, GUPPAN said, would not only weaken the sector but also contradict the government’s commitment to economic diversification, industrial growth, and job creation.
Appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the group urged a reconsideration of the directive in favour of a collaborative approach. “We urge the government to work hand-in-hand with print professionals and business owners to ensure that national security is safeguarded without sacrificing economic sustainability and inclusive growth,” GUPPAN said.
