PTDF trains journalists on energy sector reporting, reaffirms partnership with media

Lagos

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing transparency and driving national development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through targeted human capacity development for media professionals.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a capacity-building programme for journalists and media stakeholders with the theme: “Effective Journalism and Reporting in the Oil and Gas Sector for Energy Correspondents, the Executive Secretary of the PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, emphasised that effective media coverage is crucial to navigating the technical intricacies of the energy industry.

 Prof. Aliyu, who was represented by Head, Press and External Relations, Kay Hambolu Dupe Bella, described the media as a vital partner in public discourse rather than just a messenger.

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.”

Highlighting the agency’s primary mandate, the ES noted that building capacity must extend beyond core industry personnel to include journalists who inform the public. By deepening media stakeholders’ understanding of energy operations and the PTDF’s interventions, the agency is investing in standardizing accurate and balanced reporting across the country.

“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.

Prof. Aliyu commended the Press and External Relations Unit of the PTDF alongside the facilitators, Betterways Nigeria Limited, for organizing the session before officially declaring the capacity-building programme open.