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The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has launched a capacity-building programme for journalists and media stakeholders, saying the initiative is aimed at improving the quality, accuracy and depth of reporting on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Speaking at the opening of the programme in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, described the media as a strategic partner in shaping public discourse and promoting transparency in the nation’s energy sector, stressing that effective journalism requires a sound understanding of the industry’s policies, technologies and evolving issues.
Represented at the event by Dupe Kay-Hambolu, Head, Press and External Relations Division, Aliyu said the training underscores PTDF’s commitment to strengthening informed and impactful reporting on the oil and gas sector by equipping journalists with the knowledge required to interpret complex industry developments.
According to him, the Fund recognises that building human capacity should not be limited to industry professionals alone but should also extend to media practitioners who serve as the bridge between the sector and the public.
“Today’s gathering reflects the shared commitment by the Fund to promoting informed, accurate, and impactful reporting on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he said.
“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.”
The PTDF boss noted that by deepening journalists’ understanding of the Fund’s mandate, programmes and interventions, the organisation is investing in more balanced, credible and insightful reporting that will ultimately benefit the Nigerian public.
He said PTDF’s contributions to the industry go beyond manpower development, highlighting its interventions in research, innovation, local content development and efforts to support Nigeria’s long-term energy aspirations.
“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 also reflects PTDF’s resolve to sustain a productive relationship with the media through continuous engagement, openness and mutual respect.
The Executive Secretary commended journalists for their professionalism in covering the Fund’s activities and encouraged participants to take advantage of the programme by engaging facilitators, asking questions and sharing perspectives that would enhance their understanding of the sector.
He expressed confidence that participants would leave the training better equipped to report developments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with greater confidence, accuracy and analytical depth.
Aliyu also praised the PTDF Press and External Relations Unit for initiating the programme and acknowledged the collaboration of Betterways Nigeria Limited in organising the training.
He thanked journalists, editors and other media stakeholders for honouring the Fund’s invitation and reaffirmed PTDF’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with the media in support of national development.
The PTDF Executive Secretary thereafter declared the Capacity-Building Programme for Journalists and Media Stakeholders officially open.
