The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged operators and stakeholders in Nigeria's oil and gas industry to invest in research and digital solutions. This call aims to produce more reliable forecasts, helping the sector navigate ongoing uncertainties. Ike made this call at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents Abuja FCT (AECAF), held in Abuja. The conference theme, "Sustaining Oil and Gas Investment in Nigeria amidst Energy Transition," was described as timely by Ike.
Ike noted the continued importance of oil and gas to Nigeria's economy, national development, energy security, and job creation. This comes as the global push toward cleaner energy sources accelerates. She emphasized that Nigeria's task is to pursue a transition that is "balanced, practical and investment friendly" while meeting its climate and development obligations. The NUJ FCT Council was represented at the event by Comrade Ebriku Friday (JP).
The conference provided a valuable platform for policymakers, operators, investors, civil society, and the media to examine the sector's future. Ike urged discussions to prioritize investor confidence, regulatory certainty, local content development, and ensuring industry revenues translate into real benefits for Nigerians. She also stressed the media's role in the sector, saying energy correspondents help citizens understand complex industry developments.
According to Ike, energy correspondents hold stakeholders accountable through factual and responsible reporting. She commended AECAF for its commitment to professional journalism and constructive engagement on national issues. The NUJ FCT Council's continued support for ethical and development-oriented journalism was assured.
Ike wished participants a successful conference and fruitful deliberations. The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria's oil and gas sector. The sector's importance to Nigeria's economy and development was reiterated.
The conference theme highlights the challenges facing Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Ike's call for research investment aims to address these challenges. The sector's transition to cleaner energy sources is a significant concern.
The NUJ FCT Council's involvement in the conference demonstrates its commitment to the sector. Ike's remarks emphasized the need for collaboration and investment in research and digital solutions. This will help navigate the sector's uncertainties and ensure a balanced transition.
Key points
- Nigeria's oil and gas sector faces ongoing uncertainties, and research investment is crucial to navigate these challenges.
- The sector's transition to cleaner energy sources must be balanced, practical, and investment-friendly.
- The media plays a vital role in the sector, holding stakeholders accountable through factual and responsible reporting.
