The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has trained about 50 journalists as part of a broader effort to promote quality reporting in the oil and gas industry.
Held on Monday in Lagos, the Capacity-Building Programme for Journalists and Media Stakeholders, was tailored to equip the journalists with skills necessary to report the complexities of the oil and gas sector with greater depth, accuracy, and confidence.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, said “the gathering reflects the shared commitment by the Fund to promoting informed, accurate, and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
Aliyu, who was represented by the PTDF’s Head of Press and External Relations, Mrs. Dupe Kay-Hambolu, said the media, beyond being a conveyor of information, is a strategic partner in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency, and driving national development, noting that 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.
He said PTDF, as the nation’s foremost human capacity development agency for the oil and gas industry, must extend beyond industry professionals to include those responsible for informing the public, by strengthening their understanding of the sector and of PTDF’s mandate, programmes, and interventions.
“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,” he added.
The PTDF boss the programme also reinforces the enduring partnership between PTDF and the media in amplifying the Fund’s initiatives and programmes with professionalism, reaffirming the PTDF’s commitment to strengthening the relationship through continuous engagement, openness, and mutual respect.
While encouraging the journalists to participate, ask questions, share perspectives, and take full advantage of the knowledge and experience shared during the programme, the Executive Secretary commended the Press and External Relations Unit for conceiving the initiative and expressed his sincere appreciation to Betterways Nigeria Limited for collaborating with the Fund to make it a reality.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director, BetterWays, Dr. Victor Dare, said the oil and gas remains the cornerstone and key driver of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 65% of government revenue, over 85% of total export earnings, and roughly 90% of foreign exchange earnings, despite contributing less than 10% to the annual GDP.
Dr. Dare said as Africa’s largest oil producer, the sector drives foreign investment and fiscal policy, though it makes the economy highly susceptible to global price volatility.
He said as journalists covering the complex technical issues and intricate debates in the petroleum industry, there was a need to improve sector transparency and accountability through accurate and balanced reporting.
“Journalists interpret and report on technicalities and communicate the events in the sector to the public with clear meanings,” he said, adding that by all estimation, news reporting and broadcasting practice in the oil and gas industry is a very crucial part of journalism because of the vantage position the industry occupies in the survival, stability and sustainability of Nigeria as a nation.
According to him, the workshop was designed to retool and upskill the participation to conduct highly specialised and organic reporting, achieve relevant technical knowledge of the oil and gas sector, be a public confidence builder for the industry, and be image-building ambassadors for the petroleum industry, especially the PTDF.
