-Felix Douglas
Addressing journalists at the Executive Masterclass on Energy Journalism, Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Engr. Francis Nwaochei, was delighted to host the programme in partnership with Sequest Upstream Company Ltd on the theme, “Engineering the Narrative: Why Technical Knowledge Matters in Energy Journalism.”
Nwaochei was of the view that the theme directly spoke to the role that credible journalism plays in shaping public understanding of Nigeria’s energy industry.
The stories that appear in newspapers, television, online platforms and across social media influence public perception, investor confidence and even policy conversations. This is why accuracy matters.
Nigeria’s energy industry is evolving rapidly. Today’s conversations extend beyond crude oil production. They include gas development, energy security, carbon management, digital technologies, local content, infrastructure development, financing, regulatory reforms and the transition to a lower-carbon future. As the industry becomes more complex, reporting on it also requires greater depth and context, Nwaochei added.
According to the SPE Council Chair, the Masterclass is not about turning journalists into petroleum engineers. This is not the expectation, rather, the goal is to inspire energy journalists to become more effective by developing the confidence to ask the right questions, conduct due diligence and present accurate, balanced and well-researched reports.
“In our industry, details matter. A production figure may represent installed capacity, actual production or a future target. A reserve estimate is different from recoverable production. A licence award is not the same as first oil. An investment announcement does not necessarily mean the funds have been deployed, and an acquisition only creates value when it is successfully executed.”
Engr. Nwaochei believes that understanding these distinctions help journalists move beyond reporting headlines to explaining what those headlines actually mean. Before publishing a story, ask: What exactly does this number represent? What evidence supports this claim? Has it been independently verified? What stage has this project reached? What approvals or milestones are still outstanding?
Those simple questions can make the difference between a good story and a truly insightful one.
He told journalists that the Masterclass is designed to help build understanding.
“Our resource persons will discuss the realities behind production figures, reserves, investments, project development, regulatory processes and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, digital twins and data analytics. They will share practical insights that will help you interpret industry developments with greater confidence and accuracy.”
Engr. Nwaochei said a professional journalist should be able to ask difficult questions that a professional engineer should be willing to provide factual answers. When both are guided by integrity and professionalism, the result is better public understanding and greater confidence in our industry.
Continuing he said, this commitment aligns closely with the mission of the SPE. SPE exists to advance technical knowledge, promote professional excellence and share expertise for the benefit of society.
The programme is another expression of SPE’s mission by bringing engineers, regulators, communicators and journalists together, “we are creating a platform where knowledge is shared, understanding is deepened and lasting professional relationships are built.”
Ultimately, Nigeria deserves an energy narrative that is both ambitious and accurate. The country should celebrate its achievements, acknowledge challenges, explains opportunities and report its progress with fairness and context.
Credibility is built not by sensational headlines, but by facts, evidence and responsible journalism.
“Together, let us strengthen the bridge between engineering and journalism. Let us ensure that the stories we tell are not only compelling, but also credible; not only timely, but technically sound; and not only informative, but beneficial to Nigeria’s energy future.”
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