The Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, has reaffirmed its commitment to building the capacity of journalists to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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.
He was represented by the Head of Press and External Relations, Mrs Dupe Kay-Hambolu.
Aliyu, 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.
“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, thereby enhancing the quality of reporting on the sector.
According to him, PTDF, as Nigeria’s foremost human capacity development agency for the oil and gas industry, considers it necessary to extend its capacity-building efforts beyond industry professionals to members
He said the Fund remained committed to developing skilled manpower, advancing research and innovation, promoting local content and supporting Nigeria’s energy future.
Aliyu added that those achievements should be communicated with clarity, context and credibility.
He said the training also reinforced the longstanding partnership between PTDF and the media, assuring journalists of continued engagement, openness and mutual respect.
The executive secretary expressed confidence that participants would be better equipped to report the complexities of the oil and gas sector with greater depth, accuracy and confidence.
He 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.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director of BetterWays Nigeria Ltd., Dr Victor Dare, said the oil and gas sector remained the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the sector accounts for about 65 per cent of government revenue, more than 85 per cent of export earnings and about 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings, in spite of contributing less than 10 per cent 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. (NAN)
