NUJ Urges Oil, Gas Stakeholders to Invest in Research, Digital Forecasting Solutions

NUJ Urges Oil, Gas Stakeholders to Invest in Research, Digital Forecasting Solutions

By Goddness Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has urged operators and stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to invest more in research and digital solutions capable of improving forecasting and helping the sector navigate growing uncertainties.

Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, made the call in a goodwill remark delivered on her behalf at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents Abuja, FCT (AECAF), held Thursday in Abuja.

The conference was themed: “Sustaining Oil and Gas Investment in Nigeria Amidst Energy Transition.”

Ike, who was represented at the event by the Ex-Officio of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Ebriku Friday (JP), described the theme as timely, stressing that oil and gas remained critical to Nigeria’s economy, national development, energy security and employment, even as the global transition towards cleaner energy sources gathers momentum.

She said Nigeria must pursue an energy transition that is “balanced, practical and investment-friendly,” while meeting its climate and development obligations.

According to her, investment in research, innovation and digital forecasting tools would help industry stakeholders better understand emerging trends, anticipate market disruptions and make informed decisions in an increasingly uncertain global energy environment.

The NUJ FCT chairman said the AECAF conference provided an important platform for policymakers, industry operators, investors, civil society organisations and the media to examine the opportunities, risks and policy choices shaping the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

She urged participants to give priority to issues of investor confidence, regulatory certainty, local content development and ensuring that revenues generated from the sector translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

Ike also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of developments in the energy sector.

She said energy correspondents had a responsibility to simplify complex industry issues for the public while holding government agencies, operators and other stakeholders accountable through accurate, factual and responsible reporting.

She commended AECAF for its commitment to professional journalism and constructive engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s energy sector and national development.

The NUJ FCT Council chairman assured the association of the council’s continued support for ethical and development-oriented journalism, while wishing participants fruitful deliberations and a successful conference.