By LUCY OGALUE

The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has raised concerns over a Federal Government directive mandating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to patronise only Government Printing Press.

The association raised the concerns in a statement jointly signed by its President, Mr Adekunle Adebambo and Secretary, Mr Raymond Nwagwu on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, instructed MDAs to halt all engagements with private printing firms.

Reacting to the development, GUPPAN, said that the decision, if implemented, could trigger massive job losses and render trillions of naira in private sector investment redundant.

Adebambo said that members of the association had, over the years, invested heavily in modern printing equipment, staff training and infrastructure.

According to him, this was done in alignment with the government?s industrial growth and public-private partnership policies.

He said that private printers had complemented the Federal Government Printing Press by bridging gaps in capacity, confidentiality and timeliness.

Adebambo cited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a major beneficiary of private sector support.

The association president cautioned that excluding private printers would place unsustainable pressure on the Government Printing Press, which lacked the capacity to meet the extensive printing needs of all MDAs nationwide.

?The GUPPAN, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to review the directive by permitting non-classified printing jobs to be outsourced to certified private firms while reserving sensitive documents for the Government Press.

?The body also proposes a licensing and security clearance system for private printers handling government jobs.

?As well as constructive dialogue among stakeholders to safeguard confidentiality without crippling private enterprise,? he said.

Adebambo said that a collaborative framework would strengthen industry professionalism, encourage competition and contribute to the government?s economic diversification and job creation goals.

He reaffirmed the association?s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders to design policies that balanced national security with economic sustainability and inclusive growth.

?The printing industry remains a strategic pillar of Nigeria?s economy, supporting education, information dissemination, cultural preservation, and employment generation.

?Excluding private firms from government patronage will cripple this vital sector and undermine the federal government?s own vision of economic diversification and job creation.

?We, therefore, urge the government to pursue a collaborative approach, working hand in hand with print professionals and business owners to ensure that national security is safeguarded without sacrificing economic sustainability and inclusive growth,? Adebambo said. (NAN)

Update news