By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacity of journalists and media stakeholders to promote accurate, balanced and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu, stated this on Monday at the opening of a Capacity-Building Programme for Journalists and Media Stakeholders in Lagos.
Aliyu, who was represented by the Head of Press and External Relations, Mrs Dupe Kay-Hambolu, said the initiative reflected the Fund’s commitment to promoting informed reporting and deepening public understanding of developments in the petroleum industry.
He described the media as a strategic partner in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency and supporting national development, stressing that effective reporting on the oil and gas industry requires a sound understanding of the sector’s policies, technologies and emerging issues.
“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. 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. 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.”
“By strengthening your understanding of the sector and of PTDF’s mandate, programmes, and interventions, we are investing in more accurate, balanced, and insightful reporting,” he said.
Aliyu said the programme was designed to equip journalists with a better understanding of the petroleum industry and PTDF’s mandate, programmes and interventions to improve the quality of reporting on the sector.
According to him, PTDF considers it necessary to extend its capacity-building efforts beyond industry professionals to media practitioners, who serve as a vital link between the sector and the public.
He said the Fund remained committed to developing skilled manpower, advancing research and innovation, promoting local content and supporting Nigeria’s energy future.
“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,” Aliyu said.
He added that the training reinforced the longstanding partnership between PTDF and the media, assuring journalists of continued engagement, openness and mutual respect.
Aliyu expressed confidence that participants would leave the programme better equipped to report developments in the oil and gas industry with greater depth, accuracy and confidence.
He also commended the PTDF Press and External Relations Unit for initiating the programme and appreciated BetterWays Nigeria Ltd. For partnering with the Fund to organise the training.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of BetterWays Nigeria Ltd., Dr Victor Dare, described the oil and gas industry as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the sector accounts for about 65% of government revenue, more than 85% of export earnings and about 90 % of foreign exchange earnings, despite contributing less than 10% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Dare said the industry’s strategic importance made accurate and balanced reporting essential to improving transparency, accountability and public understanding.
He said journalists covering the petroleum industry required specialised knowledge to effectively interpret technical issues and communicate them to the public.
“News reporting and broadcasting in the oil and gas industry is a crucial aspect of journalism because of the strategic role the sector plays in Nigeria’s survival, stability and sustainable development,” he said.
Dare said the workshop was designed to equip participants with specialised reporting skills, deepen their technical knowledge of the oil and gas sector and strengthen public confidence in the industry, particularly PTDF.
