ABUJA: The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on journalists covering Nigeria’s energy sector to strengthen their professional capacity by embracing artificial intelligence (AI), improving data verification, and committing to continuous learning.
She made the call during a capacity-building workshop organised by the NUJ FCT Council in collaboration with Chevron, where media practitioners gathered to explore ways of enhancing the quality of energy reporting in an increasingly technology-driven industry.
The workshop, themed Strengthening Energy Journalism Through Knowledge, Data Accuracy and Artificial Intelligence, brought together journalists, energy correspondents, industry experts, regulators and other stakeholders to discuss emerging trends and best practices in reporting the country’s vital energy sector.
Speaking at the event, Comrade Ike described energy journalism as one of the most important beats in today’s media landscape, noting that the sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic development, investment growth, environmental sustainability and national prosperity.
According to her, journalists play a vital role in helping citizens understand complex issues surrounding energy policies, infrastructure projects and industry reforms.
“Energy powers development, and the stories we tell influence policy decisions, public confidence, investment choices and the well-being of communities,” she said.
She added that journalists are more than news gatherers, describing them as interpreters of technical information, watchdogs of accountability and a crucial link between industry experts, policymakers and the general public.
Comrade Ike urged energy correspondents to deepen their understanding of industry operations, financing structures, regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies and infrastructure development in order to produce more insightful and balanced reports.
She noted that the technical nature of the energy industry demands more than routine news reporting, stressing that journalists should explain how government policies and private sector investments affect businesses, consumers and host communities.
The NUJ chairman also highlighted data accuracy as the cornerstone of credible journalism, urging reporters to verify statistics through reliable primary sources before publication.
She advised journalists to cross-check information obtained from government institutions, energy companies, regulatory agencies and independent organisations to minimise misinformation and enhance public trust.
In a period where misinformation spreads rapidly and competing narratives dominate public discourse, accurate data distinguishes responsible journalism from speculation,” she said.
She further warned against publishing unverified figures simply to break stories quickly, noting that transparency regarding data limitations strengthens the credibility of news organizations.
On the increasing use of artificial intelligence in journalism, Comrade Ike said AI should be regarded as a tool that supports newsroom efficiency rather than a replacement for professional judgment.
She explained that AI technologies can assist journalists in analysing large volumes of data, identifying patterns, transcribing interviews and processing documents faster than traditional methods.
However, she cautioned that AI-generated content should never be published without thorough human verification, warning that such tools can sometimes produce inaccurate information, amplify existing biases or remove essential context from reports.
“Our responsibility is to combine the speed and efficiency of artificial intelligence with rigorous fact-checking, sound editorial judgment and the highest ethical standards,” she stated.
She encouraged journalists to acquire practical AI skills while ensuring that every AI-assisted report is carefully validated against credible and verifiable sources.
Comrade Ike also commended the facilitators of the workshop, describing them as seasoned professionals in energy operations, data journalism, regulatory policy and artificial intelligence whose knowledge would equip participants with practical reporting skills.
She equally praised Chevron for supporting the training initiative, saying the company’s investment in journalists’ professional development would contribute to greater transparency, safety and sustainability within Nigeria’s energy industry.
According to her, constructive engagement between the media and responsible corporate organisations remains essential for promoting accountability and long-term development across the energy sector.
She further advised journalists to prioritise accuracy above speed, clarity over sensationalism and independent investigation above convenience when reporting energy-related issues.
The NUJ chairman reminded participants that every policy decision, infrastructure project and market statistic ultimately affects the lives of ordinary Nigerians, making responsible journalism even more important.
She said quality reporting should not only expose wrongdoing where necessary but also highlight innovation, amplify community voices and showcase initiatives that positively impact citizens.
As the workshop commenced, Comrade Ike challenged participants to leave with stronger technical knowledge, improved data verification skills and a better understanding of how artificial intelligence can be applied responsibly in modern journalism.
She expressed confidence that better-equipped journalists would contribute to improved public understanding of Nigeria’s energy sector, strengthen democratic accountability and support a more transparent, sustainable and inclusive future for the country’s energy industry.
