The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s new directive stopping Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from outsourcing printing contracts to private companies.
The association described the policy as unfair, harmful to the economy, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s overall development agenda.
In a statement signed by GUPPAN President, Mr. Adekunle Adebambo, and National Secretary, Mr. Raymond Nwagwu, the group warned that the policy could cripple the multi-trillion-naira printing industry, throw thousands of Nigerians into unemployment, and render years of private sector investment useless.
The Federal Government had announced that all MDAs must now rely exclusively on the Federal Government Printing Press. Officials explained that the move was to prevent the exposure of confidential government documents.
But GUPPAN said the blanket restriction was not the right solution, insisting that a more balanced and collaborative approach would better serve the country.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the Federal Government’s concern about protecting the confidentiality of sensitive documents. However, this blanket ban on private printers is unfair, economically harmful, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals,” the association stated.
GUPPAN instead suggested that government should introduce a framework that distinguishes between classified and non-classified jobs. It said non-sensitive documents could still be printed by vetted and certified private firms under a licensing and security clearance system.
According to the association, such a system would protect national security while also keeping the private sector active. It would also allow fairer distribution of contracts, encourage healthy competition, and help the printing industry to grow.
The group further stressed that collaboration with industry professionals was necessary to balance security concerns with economic realities.
“We urge the government to work hand in hand with print professionals and business owners to ensure national security is safeguarded without sacrificing economic sustainability and inclusive growth,” GUPPAN concluded.
The printing industry is one of the largest employers in Nigeria, with hundreds of firms and thousands of workers engaged in book publishing, commercial printing, packaging, and security printing. Stakeholders fear that a sudden withdrawal of government patronage could trigger massive job losses and slow down growth in the sector.
