As 2027 Polls Loom, NUJ-NAN Dissects Political Economy of Nigeria’s Oil Future

Lagos, Nigeria — NOP NIGERIA

As Nigeria counts down to the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Chapel in Lagos is set to host a week-long forum to examine how politics will shape the country’s oil and gas industry and overall economy.

The 2026 Press Week, scheduled for September 21 to September 25, will bring together journalists, policymakers, industry experts, economists, political analysts and civil society to debate issues central to Nigeria’s development trajectory.

Mrs Vivian Ihechu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, said the five-day event is designed to promote healthy living, cultural awareness, professional engagement and informed discussions on matters of national importance.

The centerpiece is a major lecture and symposium on Wednesday, September 23, themed: “2027 and Nigeria’s Future: Impact of Politics on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry and Economy — The Role of the Media.”

The symposium will hold at 10:00 a.m. at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Complex, Eko Club Close, off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, Lagos.

According to Ihechu, the forum will interrogate how political decisions and electoral outcomes could affect government revenue, investment flows, energy security, employment and the performance of the Nigerian economy.

“The media has a critical responsibility in shaping public understanding of these issues. Journalists must provide accurate, balanced and timely information while holding political leaders, public institutions and other stakeholders accountable,” she said.

NUJ-NAN Chapel Secretary, Adeyemi Adeleye, said the theme was chosen because oil and gas remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and media coverage must go deeper ahead of 2027.

“The 2027 elections will have implications for the direction of economic policies and the management of critical sectors such as oil and gas. The media therefore has a responsibility to deepen public understanding of these issues,” Adeleye stated.

He said the symposium will feature industry leaders, financial experts, power-sector professionals, legislators, academics, students, security agencies and members of the public to ensure broad-based dialogue.

The Press Week will open on Monday, September 21 with a health walk from Yaba College of Technology to the NAN premises under the theme, “Stride Towards Healthier Workers,” followed by free medical check-ups and outreach. Tuesday, September 22 is Cultural Day with the theme “Our Culture, Our Pride,” featuring performances by the Kuti Family for Felabration and Fuji maestro Dr Adewale Ayuba.

Ihechu and Adeleye called on stakeholders, government institutions, corporate bodies and the public to support the event, saying the Press Week will reinforce the NUJ-NAN Chapel’s commitment to professional journalism, accountability, democratic governance and sustainable national development.

NOP NIGERIA