The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s directive barring Ministries, Departments, and Agencies from outsourcing printing jobs to private companies. The association described the move as “unfair, economically harmful, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals.”
In a statement signed by GUPPAN President, Adekunle Adebambo, and National Secretary, Raymond Nwagwu, the group warned that the policy would cripple the multi-trillion-naira printing industry, throw thousands of workers into the labor market, and render years of private sector investments redundant.
The Federal Government had directed all MDAs to cease patronage of private printing firms and rely exclusively on the Federal Government Printing Press, citing incidents of confidential government documents being exposed.
However, GUPPAN argued that the blanket restriction was not the solution, insisting that a balanced approach would better serve the nation’s interests.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the Federal Government’s genuine concern over safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive documents, but we must emphasize that this blanket restriction on private printers is unfair, economically harmful, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals,” the association stated.
GUPPAN proposed a framework that would allow non-classified jobs to be outsourced to vetted and certified private printers, create a licensing and security clearance system for firms handling government contracts, and engage stakeholders in dialogue to craft inclusive policies.
The association argued that such a framework would protect national security without stifling private enterprise, ensuring fair distribution of contracts, encouraging healthy competition, and driving industry-wide growth.
“We urge the Government to work hand in hand with print professionals and business owners to ensure that national security is safeguarded without sacrificing economic sustainability and inclusive growth,” GUPPAN concluded.
