Journalists covering Nigeria’s energy sector have been urged to embrace data-driven reporting and responsibly deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve the quality, accuracy and credibility of their work.

The charge was given on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 Chevron Media Capacity Building Programme for Energy Correspondents, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The training, themed “Strengthening Energy Journalism Through Knowledge, Data Accuracy and Artificial Intelligence,” brought together media professionals and industry experts to explore how emerging technologies and accurate data can transform reporting in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said energy journalism must move beyond routine event coverage and adopt a more analytical, knowledge-driven approach that prioritises context, accuracy and technological innovation.

According to her, the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public conversations around the energy sector, with the power to influence policy decisions, attract investments, strengthen public trust and impact host communities.

She noted that energy reporters now operate within a highly complex environment involving governments, corporations, investors, technical experts and citizens, making specialised knowledge more important than ever.

“The energy sector is technical, dynamic and global in scope. To report it effectively, journalists must deepen their understanding of markets, infrastructure, financing and regulatory frameworks,” Ike said.

She stressed that continuous learning remains essential for reporters seeking to provide meaningful coverage of the industry, urging journalists to familiarise themselves with issues ranging from electricity grid operations to gas commercialisation policies.

Describing the training as an investment in professional excellence, Ike said it would equip journalists with the skills needed to explain how energy developments affect jobs, consumer prices, local communities and environmental goals.

She identified data accuracy as a critical pillar of credible journalism, warning that inaccurate figures and unverified claims could easily mislead the public.

“In an era flooded with statistics and competing narratives, reliable data is what separates factual reporting from speculation,” she said.

Ike encouraged journalists to cultivate the habit of verifying figures, scrutinising official statistics, analysing company disclosures and cross-checking information with independent datasets before publication.

She also highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, describing AI as a powerful support tool rather than a substitute for journalistic judgment.

According to her, AI can assist journalists in analysing large volumes of data, identifying trends, transcribing interviews and locating relevant documents. However, she cautioned that the technology could also generate false information, reinforce bias and strip stories of important context if used carelessly.

“AI is a force multiplier when used responsibly, but it must always be guided by verification, editorial oversight and ethical standards,” she said.

The Communications Manager of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Victor Anyaegbudike, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening journalism through sustained investment in media capacity development.

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He explained that the initiative began as a pilot project in Lagos in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University, where about 140 journalists received specialised training.

Since then, the programme has expanded across Lagos, Delta, Abuja and other parts of the country through partnerships with NUJ councils and associations of energy correspondents.

Anyaegbudike revealed that by the end of 2026, between 400 and 500 journalists would have benefited from the programme over a three-year period.

He described the training theme as highly relevant in today’s media environment, where data-driven storytelling and artificial intelligence are increasingly shaping newsroom operations.

“AI is no longer optional; it is part of the future of journalism. At the same time, the demand for data accuracy has never been greater. Journalists need to understand how to use these tools to improve efficiency while maintaining professional standards,” he said.

He also highlighted Chevron’s broader contributions to Nigeria’s economic development through its investments and operations in the country.

Delivering a presentation on data accuracy in energy reporting, Kingsley Jeremiah, Deputy Bureau Chief of The Guardian, stressed that interpreting and analysing data has become an indispensable skill for journalists covering the oil, gas and power sectors.

He warned that publishing figures without understanding their origins, methodology or context could create false impressions and distort public understanding of developments in the industry.

“The first responsibility of an energy journalist is to understand exactly what a figure represents before reporting it,” Jeremiah said.

In a separate presentation on artificial intelligence in the newsroom, former NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Amos Duniya, described AI as one of the most influential technologies shaping the global information ecosystem.

While acknowledging its ability to boost efficiency and improve productivity, Duniya warned that the technology could also be exploited to spread misinformation, manipulate content and circulate doctored images, videos and audio recordings.

He urged journalists to remain vigilant and ensure all AI-generated or AI-assisted content is rigorously verified before publication.

“As practitioners in today’s information age, we must use AI responsibly. Every statement, story, image, voice recording, video and even event date must be verified and cross-checked before it reaches the public,” he said.

The training concluded with a renewed call for journalists to combine technological innovation with the core values of accuracy, accountability and ethical reporting as the energy sector continues to evolve.