KEY POINTS
- Nigeria loses over N200 billion annually by printing books overseas, highlighting a critical gap in local production capabilities.
- GUPPAN urges the government to boost local printing capacity to reduce dependency on imports and stimulate economic growth.
- Adebambo calls for educational reforms to develop skilled professionals in printing, enhancing industry standards and integrity.
The Gutenberg Prints Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has disclosed that the nation suffers an annual loss exceeding N200 billion due to the printing of books overseas.
This alarming statistic not only highlights a significant shortfall in local production capacity but also underscores the urgent need for strategic reforms within Nigeria’s printing sector.
According to Vanguard, this announcement came during a briefing focused on “Industrialization: The Role of Printing Business and Enhanced Printing Profession, Challenges, and Solutions,” organized by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Local production potential: A call for domestic capability
Adebambo, a spokesperson for GUPPAN, asserted that Nigeria is well-positioned to fulfill its printing requirements domestically. He argued that nurturing local production capabilities could trigger essential industrialization and economic growth. “Every year, Nigeria spends a minimum of N200 billion on foreign book printing,” he highlighted, advocating for the cultivation of local partnerships to mitigate reliance on imports.
The association is urging the Federal Government and relevant authorities to enhance local production capabilities and implement policies that would strengthen the printing industry.
Adebambo pointed out that many educational institutions mandate students to purchase textbooks primarily sourced from abroad, perpetuating this financial drain.
Educational reforms needed
“Collaborating with local sources to enhance their capacity will significantly reduce the unemployment rate,” he asserted. He called on stakeholders to address these challenges, stating, “We cannot industrialize if we ignore opportunities that are right before us.
In a push for educational advancement within the industry, Adebambo urged the Ministry of Education to partner with Nigerian universities to create bachelor’s and postgraduate programs in printing technology and management.
He stressed that future leaders of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPN) must possess relevant qualifications to elevate the profession and ensure compliance with established standards.
Commitment to professionalism
Highlighting the obstacles faced by the association, Adebambo pointed to the lack of educational pathways for printing professionals and the detrimental effects of unqualified leadership. He reaffirmed GUPPAN’s commitment to developing a regulated and sustainable printing industry, advocating for the need to restore integrity within the sector.
“The time has come for concerted action to rectify past missteps, uphold the standards set by Act 24 of 2007, and enhance the reputation of the Nigerian printing industry,” he declared.
Adebambo appealed to the media for support in amplifying these issues, asserting that a united front can pave the way for a future where Nigeria’s printing industry is synonymous with professionalism, innovation, and national pride.
