Book Industry Stakeholders Seek Reduction on Import Duty

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s book Industry have called on the federal government to consider granting them tax weavers and a reduction in import duty on anything educational in the country.

This for them is necessary as their businesses are currently challenged with low patronage, piracy, and high prices which is  forcing many players out of business and students to stay at home.

They disclosed this at the maiden Angel Expression Limited and Binary Vision Publishers Award, held in Lagos over the weekend.

Speaking at the event, The Publisher, Angels Expressions Limited, Mr. Michael Igele, said although they are challenged with piracy, the sector remains critical to the survival of the Nigerian economy.

For him, the event which honoured 38 outstanding book sellers in Lagos, is a way to showcase the importance of the sector.

According to him, “The industry is gainfully employing hundreds of thousands of people today. But they are not recognized. And if you go to their shops, the same shop that has trained graduates does not look good.”

Speaking, the Managing Director, Jamganza Bookshop, Eze Peter Umeh, said business and patronage has dropped significantly as he is considering closing down.

According to him, “The business has dropped. There’s no money in town. So, I want a situation whereby some of the educational goods coming into the country  are cleared at five percent . The price of books are very expensive now. So I want a situation whereby the government will bring the price of anything educational very low.”