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NUJ FCT Chair, Ike urges research investment to tackle oil, gas uncertainty

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10 hours ago

September 26, 2026

NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on operators and stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to invest more in research and digital solutions to improve forecasting and help the sector navigate growing uncertainties.

Ike made the call in remarks delivered on behalf of the NUJ FCT Council at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents Abuja FCT (AECAF) held on Thursday in Abuja.

The conference was organised under the theme, “Sustaining Oil and Gas Investment in Nigeria amidst Energy Transition.”

Represented at the event by the NUJ FCT Council Ex-Officio, Comrade Ebriku Friday (JP), Ike described the theme as timely, noting the continued importance of the oil and gas industry to Nigeria’s economy, national development, energy security and job creation.

She, however, acknowledged the growing global shift towards cleaner sources of energy and said Nigeria needed to pursue a transition that balanced its development priorities with climate commitments.

According to her, the country’s energy transition must be “balanced, practical and investment friendly” while meeting its climate and development obligations.

Ike said increased investment in research, data and digital technologies would enable industry players and policymakers to develop more reliable forecasts and make informed decisions amid changing global energy trends.

She noted that the conference provided an important platform for policymakers, 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 sector.

The NUJ FCT chairman urged stakeholders to prioritise investor confidence, regulatory certainty and local content development, while ensuring that revenues generated from the industry translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

She also highlighted the important role of the media in shaping public understanding of developments in the energy sector.

According to Ike, energy correspondents play a critical role in helping citizens understand complex industry issues while holding government agencies and industry operators accountable through 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.

Ike assured the association of the continued support of the NUJ FCT Council for ethical, professional and development-oriented journalism.

She also wished participants at the conference successful deliberations and fruitful outcomes.