Joyce Onwuka
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, Lagos, is planning its 2026 Press Week which will 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 Press Week, scheduled for September 21 to September 25, 2026, will bring together journalists, media professionals, policymakers, industry experts, political analysts, economists and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting Nigeria’s development.
Mrs Vivian Ihechu, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2026 NUJ-NAN Press Week, said the activities were designed to promote healthy living, cultural awareness, professional engagement and informed discussions on issues of national importance.
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.”
According to her, the symposium, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m., at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Complex, Eko Club Close, off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, Lagos, is expected to provide a platform for constructive discussions on Nigeria’s political and economic future.
She said the forum would particularly examine how political developments and decisions could affect the oil and gas industry, government revenue, investment, energy security, employment and the overall performance of the Nigerian economy.
“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,” Ihechu said.
She added that the Press Week would also highlight the importance of responsible journalism in strengthening democratic governance and promoting national development.
Adeyemi Adeleye, Secretary, NUJ-NAN Chapel, Lagos, 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 as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Adeleye said the media must go beyond reporting political activities and also examine how policies, political decisions and electoral outcomes could influence key sectors of the economy.
He said the symposium would bring together 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 begin on Monday, September 21, with a health walk from Yaba College of Technology to the NAN premises under the theme, “Stride Towards Healthier Workers.”
The organisers said the opening activities would 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 planned for the Press Week include visits to orphanages and elderly care homes, alongside other programmes aimed at promoting social responsibility and community engagement.
The organisers said the Press Week is expected to 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