PTDF Strengthens Journalists’ Capacity to Improve Reporting on Nigeria’s Energy Sector
As Nigeria continues to reposition its oil and gas industry to drive economic growth, energy transition, and local content development, industry experts say accurate and well-informed journalism has become more important than ever. Reporting on the sector now requires more than simply covering events; it demands a clear understanding of the policies, technologies, and complex issues shaping one of Nigeria’s most strategic industries.
Recognising the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of the petroleum industry, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has launched a specialised capacity-building programme aimed at equipping journalists and media stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to report the sector with greater depth, accuracy, and context.
Speaking at the opening of the programme in Lagos, Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, described the media as an indispensable partner in promoting transparency, accountability, and national development.
Represented by the Fund’s Head of Press and External Relations, Mrs. Dupe Kay-Hambolu, Aliyu said the initiative reflects PTDF’s commitment to strengthening public understanding of the petroleum sector by investing not only in industry professionals but also in the journalists responsible for communicating developments to Nigerians.
“The media is far more than a conveyor of information; it is a strategic partner in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency, and driving national development,” he said.
According to him, reporting on an industry as technical and constantly evolving as oil and gas requires journalists to possess a sound understanding of the policies, technologies, innovations, and regulatory issues influencing the sector.
He explained that by deepening journalists’ knowledge of PTDF’s mandate, programmes, and interventions, the Fund hopes to promote reporting that is more accurate, balanced, and insightful while helping Nigerians better understand the role of the petroleum industry in national development.
Aliyu noted that PTDF’s work extends beyond manpower development to advancing research, promoting local content, supporting innovation, and building the human capacity required to secure Nigeria’s energy future. He said these achievements deserve to be communicated with clarity, credibility, and context.
The Executive Secretary also reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to sustaining its longstanding relationship with the media through continuous engagement, openness, and mutual respect, expressing confidence that participants would leave the training better equipped to interpret and communicate complex developments within the oil and gas industry.
Facilitating the workshop, Group Managing Director of BetterWays Nigeria Limited, Dr. Victor Dare, described the oil and gas industry as one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s economy, noting that its strategic role makes responsible and informed reporting essential.
He observed that the sector accounts for a significant share of government revenue, export earnings, and foreign exchange, making it imperative for journalists covering the industry to understand its technical and policy dimensions.
According to Dare, the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ technical knowledge of the petroleum industry, improve specialised reporting skills, and enhance their ability to communicate complex issues in ways that build public confidence and encourage greater transparency.
For PTDF, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to developing not only the professionals working within Nigeria’s energy sector but also the media professionals whose reporting helps shape public perception, inform policy conversations, and promote accountability.
As the country’s energy landscape continues to evolve, the Fund believes that building the capacity of journalists will contribute to more informed public discourse and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
