An Ibadan-based publisher, Mr Idris Alimi has claimed that the year 2025 has been the most challenging year for entrepreneurs across the country, alleging that most of the government policies are not favorable to the publishing industry.
He said that different government policies that were introduced by the federal government during the outgoing year, the instability of foreign exchange and inflation made it difficult for some business owners to remain in business in the outgoing year.
He then used the opportunity to appeal to the governments at all levels to support entrepreneurs in the country.
Alimi who doubles as Chief Executive Officer of Max African Publishers made the appeal during the end of the year party of the firm on Thursday in Ibadan.
He told journalists at the event that different government policies that were introduced by the government during the outgoing year made it difficult for some business owners to remain in business.
Alimi said, “Let me say that the outgoing year is a very challenging year for many entrepreneurs because of inflation, government policies, cash flow. The cash is not flowing as expected and even the government policies that are not favorable to many of us. Most of the government policies are not favorable to us in the publishing industry.
“Some of those policies are not encouraging us. Many of us are finding it difficult to cope. This year, 2025 has been a very challenging year. In January, I was just imagining how we will cope. We think about salaries, overhead and production costs. Is it from the production, materials or diesel that we will think of. We only rest on Sundays. If we calculate the costs and all other expenses.
“I then realised that it is God that is helping us to solve the problems. There is no way we can do it except God. There are a lot of challenges that we faced this year. I want to thank all the staff that are the bosses. There are so many things that we are passing through. What we are doing today is to motivate our staff. We are trying to encourage our staff so that they can put more efforts in the nearest future.
Chairman of the occasion, Supol Ayodele Ayiti, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to always be security conscious and mindful of where they go especially in the evenings.
He said, “There are many things happening in the country. Always observe and be conscious of your environment. Always observe”.
2025 very challenging year for entrepreneurs in Nigeria – Alimi
