The Gutenberg Print Professionals Association of Nigeria (GUPPAN) has warned that any plan by the federal government to stop the private sector from printing government documents will not only lead to massive job loss but also deter further private investors from investing in the sector.
In a statement Thursday signed by Adekunle Adebambo and Raymond Nwagwu, President and National Secretary of GUPPAN respectively, the Association, said the government should rather pursue a collaborative approach with print professionals and business owners to ensure national security without sacrificing economic sustainability and inclusive growth.
Media reports claim Ministries, Departments and Agency have been directed to cease patronage of private printing firms and rely exclusively on the Federal Government Printing Press.
According to GUPPAN, if the directive is complied with, it would “result in the loss of thousands of jobs; render private sector investments worth trillions redundant; deter future investors from committing resources to Nigeria’s printing and allied industries; and place unsustainable pressure on the Federal Government Printing Press, which, despite its mandate, currently lacks the nationwide capacity to meet the diverse and extensive printing needs of all MDAs.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the Federal Government’s genuine concern over safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive documents, we must emphasize that this blanket restriction on private printers is unfair, economically harmful, and counterproductive to Nigeria’s development goals.
“For decades, members of GUPPAN and other printing organized sectors have invested trillions of Naira in modern printing infrastructure, cutting-edge equipment, staff training, and capacity building in alignment with the Government’s policies on public-private partnerships, industrial growth, and job creation.
These investments were made in good faith and with the clear understanding that the private sector is a critical partner in national development.
“The private printing sector has consistently bridged this gap by delivering efficiency, timeliness, confidentiality, and professional excellence in the production of government documents-Independent National Electoral Commission INEC as an organization is typical reference.”
Rather than completely shutting out the private sector from printing federal government documents, GUPPAN urged the federal government to adopt a more balanced approach by reviewing the directive to allow non-classified printing jobs to be outsourced to vetted and certified private firms, while reserving sensitive materials for the Government Press after decisive and required investment in both equipment and human capacity.
“Introducing a licensing and security clearance system for private printers handling government contracts to prevent leaks, ensure compliance, and maintain healthy competition.
“Engaging stakeholders — including GUPPAN, civil service representatives, and security agencies — in constructive dialogue to design policies that protect national confidentiality without stifling private enterprise.
“Routing all government printing jobs through the government printer while utilizing a structured database of registered private printing firms, categorized by capacity and capability. Contracts should then be awarded transparently through tenders, in line with established procurement guidelines.
“This framework will not only safeguard national security but also ensure fair distribution of contracts, encourage healthy competition, and drive industry-wide growth. Smaller firms will be empowered to scale up, larger firms will be challenged to maintain global standards, and overall industry professionalism will be strengthened,” the printers stressed.
GUPPAN insisted that the printing industry remains a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economy — supporting education, information dissemination, cultural preservation, and employment generation.
“Excluding private firms from government patronage would cripple this vital sector and undermine the Federal Government’s own vision of economic diversification and job creation,” GUPPAN said.
Read more on Blueprint Newspapers Limited
