The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has vehemently opposed a new directive from the Federal Government that prohibits Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from outsourcing printing jobs to private companies. This directive, issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, mandates all MDAs to utilize the Federal Government printing press located within the Ministry of Information and National Orientation for all their printing requirements. The government’s rationale behind this decision stems from concerns regarding the potential exposure of confidential government documents.
GUPPAN, while acknowledging the government’s legitimate concerns regarding document security, argues that the blanket ban on private printers is an overreach. They contend that the directive is not only unfair but also economically detrimental and counterproductive to Nigeria’s developmental aspirations. The association highlights the significant investments made by private printing firms in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel training, investments made in good faith and in alignment with government policies promoting public-private partnerships, industrial growth, and job creation. These investments, they argue, are now at risk, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of employees and potentially crippling a multi-trillion-naira industry.
The association foresees dire consequences should the directive be implemented. They predict widespread job losses, the devaluation of substantial private sector investments, and a chilling effect on future investment in the Nigerian printing industry. Furthermore, they question the capacity of the Federal Government printing press to handle the sheer volume and diversity of printing needs across all MDAs, potentially leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. GUPPAN emphasizes the private sector’s proven track record of efficiency, timeliness, and confidentiality in handling sensitive government printing assignments, citing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a prime example of successful collaboration.
Rather than an outright ban, GUPPAN proposes a more balanced approach. They suggest a system where non-classified printing jobs can be outsourced to private printers who have undergone a vetting and certification process. This would involve establishing a licensing and security clearance framework for companies handling government contracts, coupled with a transparent procurement process managed through the government printer but with fair distribution of contracts among registered firms. This approach, they argue, would address security concerns while fostering healthy competition, promoting industry-wide growth, and empowering smaller firms to expand their operations. It would also challenge larger firms to maintain international standards, thereby elevating the overall professionalism of the printing industry.
GUPPAN underscores the printing industry’s crucial role in supporting education, information dissemination, cultural preservation, and employment generation. They warn that excluding private firms from government contracts would severely impact this vital sector, undermining the government’s own economic diversification and job creation objectives. The association also asserts that the private printing sector has consistently filled critical gaps in capacity, providing timely and efficient services, often exceeding the capabilities of the government printing press.
In light of these arguments, GUPPAN has appealed to the Tinubu administration to reconsider the directive and embrace a collaborative approach. They urge the government to engage in dialogue with print professionals and business owners to develop a solution that safeguards national security without compromising economic sustainability and inclusive growth. They believe a mutually beneficial framework can be established that addresses security concerns while leveraging the expertise and capacity of the private sector. This, they argue, would ultimately serve the best interests of the nation and its economy. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach that recognizes the important role private printers play in the nation’s economic ecosystem while simultaneously addressing the legitimate security concerns of the government.
