Gutenberg Prints Association of Nigeria has said the country loses more than N200 billion annually printing of books abroad.

The President of the Association, Adekunle Adebambo, said this during a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Mr Adebambo, Nigeria has the potential to provide the printing services needed in the country, which will in turn promote the needed industrialisation and growth of the nation.

He urged the federal government and relevant authorities to improve local production capacity and implement policies that would ensure a stronger and more vibrant printing industry in the country.

“Up till today, there is no year that Nigeria does not spend up to the N200 billion minimum in printing books abroad. Most school authorities have made it compulsory for students in nursery, primary and secondary schools to buy books, which mostly come from abroad. If they can partner with local sources in Nigeria to develop their capacity, what we are calling the unemployment ratio will be reduced.

“So we are appealing to relevant stakeholders to look into this issue. We cannot industrialise when we have opportunities and we are not utilising them.

The president called on the Ministry of Education to collaborate with Nigerian universities to establish bachelor and postgraduate degree programmes in printing technology and management.

According to him, these programmes will allow professionals to advance their education, drive innovation, uphold industry standards and foster a future-ready workforce.

Mr Adebambo reiterated the importance of professionalism in the sector, saying it would help curb most of the leadership challenges in the sector.

He said, “All future leaders of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria must hold relevant educational qualifications to ensure the organisation reflects the standards required for a chartered institute. This commitment to professionalism will promote a merit-based system within the industry, enhancing accountability, transparency and progress.’’

The president listed some of the challenges faced by the association, including the absence of higher education pathways for printing professionals and the impact of unqualified leadership, among others.

Mr Adebambo expressed the commitment of the association to develop a professional, regulated and sustainable printing industry in Nigeria.

“With government, stakeholders and Nigeria’s support, GUPPAN believes that we can build an industry that will not only serve our country’s needs but also enhance its standing on the global stage. The time has come for concerted action to correct past missteps, uphold the standards set by Act 24, 2007, and restore integrity to the Nigerian printing industry.

“We urge the media to support us in highlighting these issues, as together we can ensure a future where the Nigerian printing industry stands as a pillar of professionalism, innovation and national pride,” he said.

The briefing was organised with the theme “Industrialisation: The role of printing business and enhanced printing profession, challenges and solutions.” 

(NAN)