FG to create new economic policy to protect print sector
The federal government has promised to create special economic policies to protect the print sector of the economy.
The policies according to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelama, will range from special tax package to enabling business environment to ensure local printing companies not only stay in business but deepen the country’s economy.
Speaking at the 4th Digital Print Solution Exhibition tagged “Exceeding your business expectations”, the minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Aminu Bisala, said “it is necessary for the sector to be assisted to grow because of its contribution to the country’s economy.”
He said the leading print company in Nigeria, Skysat Technologies has been deploying its technologies across the country “providing over 500 small and medium scale enterprises while also providing more than 2000 jobs.”
The minister said the Federal Government will enact policies that would ensure the sector continues to thrive despite the difficult economic situation. He urged Nigerians to patronise local print solutions instead of travelling abroad to carry out to print their documents.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, who was represented by the deputy director, Film and Censor in the ministry, Mr Charles Ojugbena, said the government is “committed to supporting both local and foreign companies whose programme align with its vision” with “relevant regulations, policies and infrastructure that engender the socio-economic development of the nation.”
He commended Skysat Technologies for introducing the first label digital printing machine in Africa to Nigeria, adding that the “the latest solutions in office documentation and digital printing, demonstrates the creative ingenuity and resourcefulness of Nigerian-owned business.”
It also shows in special way Skysat Technologies’ incomparability with other companies that “despite the current economic challenges, they have aligned with this government to revive the economy and create employment for Nigerians,” the minister added.
According to him, it is therefore “unusual to hear people say they are traveling to Dubai, China or the United States to print their books, magazine etc. This inevitably leads to the flight of scarce foreign exchange and even more worrisome, it creates jobs in those countries, while printing industries in Nigeria gasp for breathe.
“This exhibition by Skysat Technologies demonstrates that Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors in the print business now have access to the latest technology and solutions for office documentation and printing. The solutions and machines on display are among the best in Africa.
“I dare say that in a very short time, there would be no need to outsource the printing jobs out of the country because of the expertise and support provided by Skysat,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the managing director of Skysat Technologies, Mr Izzat Debs said the essence of the exhibition was to demonstrate the latest solutions in office documentation and digital printing.
Mt Debs who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company explained that the company has been providing cutting edge office documentation and digital solutions to the Nigerian market since 2011.
The 3-day exhibition had been lined up, according to the company’s CEO to provide solutions for various sectors of the Nigerian economy, “which includes government, education, financial, hospitality, industrial label and packaging, and commercial printing sector.”
The exhibition is being organised by Skysat Technologies in conjunction with a partner company, Konica Minolta, whose representatives from Germany and South Africa were in attendance.
