Ike Advocates Reliable Forecasts, Policy Stability and Investment-Friendly Energy Transition
By Chioma Vivian James
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 intensify investment in research, technology and digital solutions capable of generating reliable forecasts and helping the sector navigate growing uncertainties.
Ike made the call in a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the NUJ FCT Council at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Abuja, FCT (AECAF), held on Thursday in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Sustaining Oil and Gas Investment in Nigeria amidst Energy Transition,” brought together stakeholders to examine the challenges, opportunities and emerging realities confronting Nigeria’s energy sector.
Represented at the conference by the NUJ FCT Council Ex-Officio, Comrade Ebriku Friday (JP), Ike described the theme as timely, stressing that oil and gas remains central to Nigeria’s economy, national development, energy security and employment, even as the global energy landscape continues to shift towards cleaner and alternative sources of energy.
According to her, Nigeria must approach the energy transition with a strategy that is balanced, practical and investment-friendly, while simultaneously meeting the country’s climate, economic and development obligations.
She noted that increasing uncertainty in the global energy environment makes research, accurate data and technological innovation particularly important for decision-making and long-term investment planning.
Ike urged industry operators, government institutions and other stakeholders to support research initiatives and digital solutions that can improve forecasting, strengthen planning and provide investors with clearer insights into the direction of Nigeria’s energy sector.
She further stressed the need for policies that would promote investor confidence and regulatory certainty, while encouraging stronger local content development and ensuring that revenues generated from the industry translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
“The future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry requires informed decisions, credible data and forward-looking research capable of helping stakeholders anticipate changes rather than merely react to them,” she said.
Ike described the AECAF conference as an important platform for policymakers, industry operators, investors, civil society organisations and the media to engage on the opportunities, risks and policy choices that will shape the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.
She called for sustained dialogue among stakeholders, noting that a predictable regulatory environment and evidence-based policymaking would be critical to sustaining investment in the sector during the energy transition.
The NUJ FCT Chairman also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of developments in the oil and gas industry.
She said energy correspondents perform an important public service by breaking down complex industry policies and developments for citizens, providing accurate information and holding relevant stakeholders accountable through factual, balanced and responsible reporting.
Ike commended AECAF for sustaining professional journalism and providing a platform for constructive engagement on issues of strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and national development.
She assured the association of the continued support of the NUJ FCT Council for ethical, professional and development-oriented journalism, while wishing participants fruitful deliberations and a successful conference.
As Nigeria continues to balance its economic dependence on hydrocarbons with the demands of an evolving global energy system, Ike’s call underscores the importance of research, innovation, credible data and responsible journalism in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for the country’s energy sector.
