News

Private Printers Fault FG’s Directive On Exclusive Use Of Govt Press

Published

5 months ago

August 22, 2025

Private printing firms under the aegis of the Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria have kicked against a new Federal Government directive barring Ministries, Departments, and Agencies from outsourcing printing jobs to private companies.

The group, in a statement yesterday, faulted the directive, stating that the blanket restriction on private printers is unfair, economically harmful and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals.

A leaked memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government directive followed incidents of confidential government documents being exposed.

The directive makes it compulsory for all MDAs to use the Federal Government printing press, domiciled in the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, for their printing needs.

Reacting to the circular, the association acknowledged the Federal Government’s concern over safeguarding the confidentiality of sensitive documents but insisted that the blanket restriction was “unfair, economically harmful, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals.”

The statement jointly signed by GUPPAN President, Adekunle Adebambo, and the National Secretary, Raymond Nwagwu, warned that the policy would cripple the multi-trillion-naira printing industry, throw thousands of workers into the labour market, and render years of private sector investments redundant.

The statement read, “The attention of the Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has been drawn to a leaked Federal Government circular, dated 20th August 2025 as published in Punch Newspapers and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

“The circular directs all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to cease patronage of private printing firms and to rely exclusively on the Federal Government printing press.

“While we acknowledge and appreciate the Federal Government’s genuine concern over safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive documents, we must emphasise that this blanket restriction on private printers is unfair, economically harmful, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals.

“For decades, members of GUPPAN and other players in the organised printing sector have invested trillions of naira in modern printing infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, staff training, and capacity building in alignment with the government’s policies on public-private partnerships, industrial growth, and job creation. These investments were made in good faith.”

GUPPAN further cautioned that the directive, if enforced, would result in the loss of thousands of jobs, render private sector investments worth trillions redundant, deter future investors from committing resources to Nigeria’s printing and allied industries, place unsustainable pressure on the Federal Government printing press, which, despite its mandate, currently lacks the nationwide capacity to meet the diverse and extensive printing needs of all MDAs.

The association recalled that private firms had for years handled major assignments with efficiency, citing the Independent National Electoral Commission as one of the many agencies that had relied heavily on private printers for the production of sensitive materials.

“The private printing sector has consistently bridged the gap by delivering efficiency, timeliness, confidentiality, and professional excellence in the production of government documents,” GUPPAN stressed.

Instead of shutting out private operators, the association urged the Federal Government to adopt a balanced approach that, “allows non-classified jobs to be outsourced to vetted and certified private printers; create a licensing and security clearance system for firms handling government contracts; engage stakeholders in dialogue to craft inclusive policies; and introduce a transparent procurement process where jobs are routed through the government printer but distributed fairly among registered firms.”

GUPPAN argued that such a framework would protect national security without stifling private enterprise.

“This framework will safeguard confidentiality while ensuring fair distribution of contracts, encouraging healthy competition, and driving industry-wide growth.

“Smaller firms will be empowered to scale up, larger firms will be challenged to maintain global standards, and overall industry professionalism will be strengthened,” the statement added.

The group also reminded the government of the strategic role of the printing industry in the economy.

“The printing industry supports education, information dissemination, cultural preservation, and employment generation,” the group added.

News

Don Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair

Published

21 hours ago

January 26, 2026

The Tide

The National Coordinator of Embedded Ai -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has commended the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Rivers State Government for their strategic partnership in organizing the Job Fair 2026.

The Job Fair with theme: “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” took place at Obi International Conference Center, Port Harcourt, last week.

Speaking as Special Guest, Professor Omijeh stated that result-oriented human capital development and trainings focused on relevant skills is the most effective solution to reducing the high rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.

He noted that Nigeria is firmly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), driven by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and 5G.

According to him, these emerging technologies offer enormous employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across critical sectors, including agriculture, power, Telecommunication, oil and gas, healthcare, and security.

He emphasized the growing shift from job seeking to job creation, explaining that youths equipped with 4IR skills can become innovators, solution providers, and founders of startups and new industries.

Professor Omijeh further stated that Nigeria is richly endowed with talented youths capable of competing globally when properly empowered with the right skills, support, and enabling environment.

He called for sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, and educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce and drive inclusive economic growth in Rivers State.

To the over 4000 teeming youths present, Professor Omijeh said, according to Bill Gate, that “Being born poor is not a fault, but remaining poor in a world of opportunity and skills is a responsibility that must be consciously addressed.

“Don’t allow your current circumstances define your destiny. There’s a seed of greatness in you. Sieze any and every opportunity to develop yourself and acquire the requisite skills.

He passionately urged the Rivers State Government to intentionally invest and fund result-oriented training programmes through the strategic Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment and Ministry of Youth Development to increase employability and reduce the rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.

He thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honorable Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom K. Gbali, for this laudable initiative with NECA.

Professor Bourdillon Omijeh is the National Coordinator of the Embedded Artificial Intelligence (EAI) -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria; Immediate Past Director of Centre for Information and Telecommunication Engineering Uniport, NCC-Chair Occupant on ICT Uniport; TensorFlow four (4) times award winner on Capacity building on Ai & ML -(2021-2024), CEO-Bourdillon Omijeh Foundation.

As a Professional Mentor, he has facilitated the training of thousands of youths on 4IR- Skills with relevant certifications and evidential engagements.
Follow Prof Bourdillon Omijeh on LinkedIn.

News

Explore Opportunities, Become Employers, Fubara Urges Rivers Youths

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged youths in the state to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to growth and development.

Fubara said global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing such opportunities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor stated this while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Speaking on the theme, “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” the governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it was unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.

“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service.

“This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said.

Fubara further urged participants to continually sharpen their skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment and the global space through digital platforms.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and providing an enabling environment for youths to develop their potential and thrive.

In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said the job fair was designed to equip youths with contemporary skills, innovation and mentorship needed to transform them from unemployable to resourceful individuals.

Gbali disclosed that the ministry had rolled out various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy.

Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management, Rivers State University, Dr Chris Biriowu, advised participants to remain informed about evolving sources of employability.

He said the labour market was dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancement, management practices and other emerging factors.

News

King Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has poured accolades on late Amayanabo of Opobo, HRM Dandeson Douglas Jaja V, saying his footprints went beyond the State.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the wife of the late king, Prof. Odu said the late monarch contributed meaningfully beyond the shores of Rivers State.

“He contributed not only to Opobo, not only to Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a nation. We all know the various positions he held until his passing. For us as a Commission, we are really going to miss him greatly, especially at this time when his guidance was most needed,” she stressed.

She described the late king as a distinguished traditional ruler whose life and service contributed immensely to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The deputy governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, noted that until his demise, King Jaja was an Ex-Officio member of the Commission, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District.

According to her, the late monarch actively participated in several meetings of the Commission and played an important advisory role.

“He actually participated with us in a couple of meetings. It was with great shock that we received the news of his passing. We saw daddy as someone who was very strong, healthy and athletic,” Prof. Odu said.

Prof. Odu explained that the Commission relied heavily on the wisdom of traditional rulers like the late monarch to ensure that its responsibilities were carried out properly and conscientiously.

She assured the family of the Commission’s continued support, saying they will remain close to the family throughout the burial arrangements and beyond.

Addressing the widow, Queen Prudence Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Prof. Odu said the visit was to commiserate with her and encourage her during the period of mourning.

“Please accept our condolences. Please be strong and put your hope in God. The God who watches over widows will never abandon you,” the deputy governor prayed.

“We cannot question God. What has happened has happened. All we can do is to pull ourselves together. That is why we are here to pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you, that God will turn your sadness into joy and clothe you with a garment of beauty,” she added.

Responding, Queen Jaja described her late husband as a gentle, humble man who was deeply committed to the progress of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.

She expressed gratitude to the deputy governor and other members of the Boundary Commission for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.

“We are praying that his soul will rest in perfect peace. I thank you very much for coming to console me at this trying moment. Seeing you here has given me comfort. God bless each and every one of you,” she said.

She also offered prayers for the delegation, wishing them a long life and good health.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation Letter of Condolence from the Rivers State Boundary Commission to Queen Jaja.

Kevin Nengia