BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Industry experts and key players in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem have praised the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its staunch commitment to enhance human capacity through targeted training initiatives aimed at media professionals covering the sector.
This commendation follows NCAA’s role as the chief sponsor of the ongoing League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) capacity-building programme currently underway at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State.
Branded LAAC-13 2025, the intensive five-day programme brings together aviation journalists across varying levels of expertise—from entry-level reporters to seasoned editors.
The training spans five progressive modules: Basic, Advanced, Management, Senior Management, and Refresher courses—each curated to elevate industry reporting standards and broaden understanding of the aviation landscape.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, NCAT Rector and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, applauded the NCAA’s enduring support for media development.
He described the training as pivotal in shaping informed journalism and enhancing the narrative surrounding aviation in Nigeria.
“This programme,” he said, “will no doubt enrich the competence of reporters and improve the quality of their coverage in a highly technical and evolving industry.”
In his address, Chairman of LAAC, Mr. Idris Suleiman, extended profound appreciation to the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, for his instrumental role in facilitating the return of the LAAC training to NCAT in 2025.
Suleiman also acknowledged the support of other aviation institutions—including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)—for their continued collaboration over the years.
Beyond regulatory and operational agencies, Suleiman singled out the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) for its consistent backing, describing it as a dependable ally in the pursuit of journalistic excellence.
Reflecting on the current dynamics shaping global aviation, Suleiman noted, “The global aviation industry has in recent times, witnessed fluctuations and undeniable changes in the level of patronage, expectations and realignments.
Airlines and regulatory authorities have had to review business decisions and policies.
The toughness of the global economy was reflected in aircraft fleet renewals, cancellation of aircraft orders, changes in delivery dates by manufacturers and other effects.”
On the local front, he highlighted the NCAA’s progress in licensing new operators despite the difficult operating environment.
“Back home in Nigeria, despite the challenges of excruciating airlines operating cost, operational and environmental constraints, more local airlines have received Air Operators’ Certificates within the last one year according to the NCAA while some other AOCs are being processed,” he said.
He further emphasized ongoing reforms such as airport concessions led by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as signs of transformation and avenues for institutional learning and skill development.
“As a nation, there exist opportunities for Nigeria to make progress in terms of its aviation development.
LAAC therefore wishes to use this forum in the spirit of patriotism, to appeal to the various stakeholders and aviation authorities in the country to sustain their commitment towards the overall development of the sector,” Suleiman concluded.
