The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on Monday said transparent, accurate and impactful reporting is critical to Nigeria’s energy future.
The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Shuaibu Aliyu, stated this on Monday in Lagos while declaring open a capacity-building programme for journalists and media stakeholders organised by the Fund.
Mr Aliyu said the media is far more than a conveyor of information and serves as a strategic partner in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency, and driving national development.
“In an industry as technical and constantly evolving as oil and gas, effective journalism requires not only timely reporting but also a sound understanding of the policies, technologies, and issues that shape the sector. That is the purpose of this programme.
“Today’s gathering reflects the Fund’s shared commitment to promoting informed, accurate, and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he said.
Mr Aliyu, represented by Head of Press and External Relations at PTDF, Dupe Kay-Hambolu, said as the nation’s foremost human capacity development agency for the oil and gas industry, PTDF recognises that building capacity must extend beyond industry professionals to include those responsible for informing the public.
He said by strengthening journalists’ understanding of the sector and of PTDF’s mandate, programmes, and interventions, the Fund is investing in “more accurate, balanced, and insightful reporting.”
“Our story is one of developing skilled manpower, advancing research and innovation, supporting local content, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy future. We believe these achievements deserve to be communicated with clarity, context, and credibility.
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“This programme also reinforces the enduring partnership between PTDF and the media. We deeply value your role in amplifying our initiatives and appreciate the professionalism with which you continue to engage the Fund. We remain committed to strengthening this relationship through continuous engagement, openness, and mutual respect,” he added.
In his remarks, Victor Dare, group managing director of BetterWays, added that the oil and gas sector represents a key driver of Nigeria’s economy and accounts for about 65 per cent of the government revenue; promoting accurate and balanced reporting is critical to improving sector transparency and accountability.
Mr Dare said news reporting and broadcasting practice in the oil and gas industry is a crucial part of journalism because of the sector’s vantage position in the survival, stability, and sustainability of the country.
He noted that the workshop was designed to retool and upskill participants to conduct highly specialised and organic reporting, and acquire relevant technical knowledge of the oil and gas sector.
