The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria has raised concerns over a federal government directive mandating ministries, departments, and agencies to patronise only government printing presses.
The association raised the concerns in a statement jointly signed by its president, Adekunle Adebambo, and secretary, Raymond Nwagwu, on Thursday in Abuja.
The federal government, in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, directed MDAs to halt engagements with private printing firms.
Reacting to the development, GUPPAN said that the decision, if implemented, could trigger massive job losses and render trillions of naira in private sector investment redundant.
Mr Adebambo said that members of the association had, over the years, invested heavily in modern printing equipment, staff training and infrastructure.
According to him, it was done in alignment with the government’s industrial growth and public-private partnership policies.
He said that private printers complemented the Federal Government Printing Press by bridging gaps in capacity, confidentiality and timeliness.
Mr Adebambo cited the Independent National Electoral Commission as a major beneficiary of private sector support.
The association president cautioned that excluding private printers would place unsustainable pressure on the government printing press, which lacked the capacity to meet the extensive printing needs of MDAs nationwide.
He stated, “The GUPPAN, therefore, appealed to the federal government to review the directive by permitting non-classified printing jobs to be outsourced to certified private firms while reserving sensitive documents for the government press. The body also proposes a licensing and security clearance system for private printers handling government jobs. As well as constructive dialogue among stakeholders to safeguard confidentiality without crippling private enterprise.’’
