NUJ Press Day 2025: Stakeholders Highlight Media’s Role in Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) welcomed participants, setting the stage for a program focused on national development, media responsibility, and the evolving energy landscape. Attendees were encouraged to actively engage in discussions aimed at understanding the interplay between the media and national economic progress.

Guest speaker Mr. Esan Sunday Emmanuel, a former journalist, delivered a compelling keynote address on the Dangote Refinery’s economic impact which he described the refinery as a cornerstone of national economic stability, noting its role in reducing Nigeria’s fuel importation by 54% and saving the country over ₦10 billion. Mr. Emmanuel also highlighted the refinery’s potential to generate large-scale employment, urging media practitioners to promote transformational thinking and innovation across sectors while maintaining journalistic objectivity.

The program transitioned into a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Comrade Adewale Amodu. Participants were invited to share personal experiences, including challenges with fuel scarcity, sleepless nights, and anxieties linked to Nigeria’s energy supply. These discussions opened the floor for broader conversations on the media’s role in shaping public understanding and support for the energy sector, as well as its ability to facilitate economic resilience.

Key questions from participants addressed how Nigerian businesses could leverage the media to navigate economic pressures and identify growth opportunities. Speakers stressed the importance of collaboration, with one noting that businesses must integrate media expertise into their operations to inform the public effectively. Another emphasized that only a robust partnership with the media could help businesses communicate their contributions and foster public trust.

Labour representative Silva Okere raised concerns about the redeployment of 800 staff amid issues related to Pegasus. In response, Mr. Esan Sunday Emmanuel clarified that internal sabotage had necessitated the redeployment, emphasizing that the move was crucial for safeguarding the refinery’s operations. The event concluded with calls for stronger collaboration between the media, businesses, and the energy sector, highlighting the collective responsibility to drive national growth and ensure informed public engagement.