Union Holds Expo, Task Govt. to Patronise Local Printers

Ayodeji Ake

The National Union of Printing Publishing and Paper Products Workers (NUPPPPROW), have urged the Federal Government to patronise the local industry instead of their foreign counterpart, as this would help develop the printing industry.

The union made this plea at the Nigeria International Print Expo 2018 organised by DCS Integrated Media Limited in Lagos which held at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

While lamenting that government policies have made printing costlier locally, they further tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to patronise local printers on election materials, even as the 2019 general election draws closer.

Speaking at the event, the National President of NUPPPPROW, Mr. John Ushie, said: “Giving such contracts to foreigners will be jeopardising the mandate of building local capacity and creating jobs.

“90 per cent of government printing jobs are taken abroad. The reason is that of wrong government policy that makes printing abroad cheaper than in Nigeria.”

Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Olukayode Pitan, who was represented by the Deputy General Manager, SME, South, Mr. Ayo Bajomo, however said: “At BOI, we have about N20 billion available for light manufacturing companies of which printing industry falls within the category.

“To access below N10 million required no collateral. All you need is a guarantor. We have set up a different loan package to help galvanise and revitalise Nigerian economy.