BY MERCY ODEH (CONTENT EDITOR)

LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, Lagos, will use its 2026 Press Week to examine the impact of politics on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and the wider economy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The five-day event, scheduled for September 21 to 25, 2026, will bring together journalists, media professionals, policymakers, industry experts, political analysts, economists and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues shaping Nigeria’s political and economic future.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mrs Vivian Ihechu, said the major lecture and symposium would focus on the theme, “2027 and Nigeria’s Future: Impact of Politics on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry and Economy — The Role of the Media.”

Ihechu said the symposium would hold on Wednesday, September 23, at 10 a.m. at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Complex, Eko Club Close, off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, Lagos.

She said the forum would provide an avenue for constructive discussions on how political developments and policy decisions could affect the oil and gas sector, government revenue, investment, energy security, employment and the broader Nigerian economy.

According to her, the media has a critical role to play in shaping public understanding of the issues as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

“The media has a critical responsibility in shaping public understanding of these issues. Journalists must provide accurate, balanced and timely information while holding political leaders, public institutions and other stakeholders accountable,” she said.

Ihechu added that the Press Week would also highlight the importance of responsible journalism in strengthening democratic governance and advancing national development.

Similarly, the Secretary of the NUJ-NAN Chapel, Lagos, Mr Adeyemi Adeleye, said the choice of the symposium theme was informed by the importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s economy and the need for the media to provide citizens with reliable information ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adeleye said journalists must go beyond reporting political activities to examining how government policies, political decisions and electoral outcomes could influence critical sectors of the economy.

He said the symposium would attract industry leaders, political analysts, economists, financial experts, power-sector professionals, security agencies, legislators, academics, students, media practitioners and members of the public.

“The 2027 elections will have implications for the direction of economic policies and the management of critical sectors such as oil and gas. The media therefore has a responsibility to deepen public understanding of these issues and ensure that political and economic debates are based on facts,” Adeleye said.

He urged stakeholders and members of the public to participate actively in the symposium and other activities lined up for the Press Week.

The Press Week will commence on Monday, September 21, with a health walk from Yaba College of Technology to the NAN premises, with the theme, “Stride Towards Healthier Workers.”

The opening activities will also feature a free medical check-up and medical outreach aimed at encouraging journalists and members of the public to pay greater attention to their health and wellbeing.

Tuesday, September 22, has been designated as Cultural Day, with the theme, “Our Culture, Our Pride.” The programme will feature the Kuti Family as part of activities celebrating Felabration, as well as a performance by Fuji music maestro, Dr Adewale Ayuba.

Other activities include visits to orphanages and elderly care homes, alongside programmes aimed at promoting social responsibility and community engagement.

The organisers said the Press Week would strengthen professional bonds among journalists while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between the media and other sectors of society.

Ihechu and Adeleye called on stakeholders, media organisations, government institutions, corporate bodies and members of the public to support and participate in the activities.

They said the event would further demonstrate the commitment of the NUJ-NAN Chapel to promoting informed public discourse, professional journalism, democratic governance, accountability and sustainable national development.