NLNG Equips Journalists with AI, Digital Skills in Abuja

By Anayo Akwitti

Thirty-two Nigerian journalists have been equipped with artificial intelligence and digital communication skills to work smarter and remain relevant in today’s fast-paced newsroom.

This follows a three-day capacity-building workshop by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in Abuja.

The participants, drawn from various media organisations across the country, benefited from the training under NLNG’s human capital development initiative, #NLNGChangeYourStory.

At the close of the workshop on Wednesday, participants unanimously agreed that the programme provided fresh insights into the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital tools in modern journalism.

In a statement issued after the event, the organisers said the workshop reinforced NLNG’s commitment to strengthening stakeholder capacity and promoting professionalism within Nigeria’s media industry.

According to the statement, hands-on sessions and expert-led discussions exposed participants to practical media tools for real-time reporting, audience expansion beyond national borders, and effective engagement across digital platforms.

Speaking at the workshop, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, reiterated the company’s commitment to capacity development as a key pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

She said the #NLNGChangeYourStory initiative continues to equip media professionals with the skills and confidence required to adapt to an increasingly technology-driven media environment.

Describing journalism as a profession that informs, educates, and influences society, Horsfall encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to amplify their impact.

She expressed optimism that journalists would continue to enlighten the public and inspire meaningful collaboration through stories aligned with NLNG’s vision of being a globally competitive energy company improving lives sustainably.

Horsfall also highlighted NLNG’s wider support for the media sector, including the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).

Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at NLNG, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said the company remains deliberate in its investments aimed at raising professional standards in Nigerian journalism.

According to her, the workshop went beyond theory to address real newsroom challenges such as speed, verification, audience trust, and relevance in the digital era.

“Our support for these competencies is aimed at building a resilient media ecosystem that produces accurate, impactful journalism capable of shaping public understanding and contributing to national development,” she said.

The training was facilitated by digital communication specialist Dan Mason, in collaboration with the Journalism Clinic, led by veteran journalist Taiwo Obe.

The #NLNGChangeYourStory initiative has so far empowered over 180 journalists across its various editions with enhanced digital communication and social media skills.