Aviation: NCAA urges journalists to prioritise accurate reporting

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday in Abuja urged Nigerian journalists to intensify efforts toward accurate reportage of any developments in the aviation industry.

Mrs Uju Mbamadu, NCAA Assistant General Manager of the Public Relations Department, gave the advice during her remarks at a workshop titled “The Role of Media on Initiatives and Innovation to Improve Aviation Safety and Regulation.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was the second edition organised by NCAA for the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents’ Association (ATACA).

According to Mbamadu, accurate reporting is essential for maintaining the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and compliance in aviation.

“As media professionals, your ability to accurately report on aviation matters begins with a solid grasp of the NCAA’s mandate.

“From the first edition, we have observed positive changes in news reporting from the aviation sector. Yes, we have.

“That’s why we are motivated to continue this advocacy for accuracy in news writing this year. We commend your relationship with us,” she said.

Ms. Chioma Ubibi, the workshop facilitator, explained that NCAA operated through several directorates, each playing a unique and critical role in aviation regulation.

She listed NCAA’s core responsibilities to include safety oversight, economic regulation, consumer protection, and security collaboration.

Ubibi said the NCAA organisational structure comprised all the directorates known as the internal structure.

“The NCAA is empowered by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and operates in line with the Chicago Convention of 1944 and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

“The NCAA is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Aviation but maintains functional and administrative autonomy in carrying out its regulatory responsibilities.

“Its directorates include Airworthiness Standards; Operations, Licensing and Training; Aerodrome and Airspace Standards; Air Transport Regulation; and Aviation Security.

“Other directorates are Public Affairs and Consumer Protection; Finance and Accounts; Human Resources and Administration; Corporate Services; Legal Services/Company Secretary; and Special Duties.”

She also urged journalists to be careful in their choice of headlines when writing any aviation story.

“This will help journalists avoid sensationalism and foster intelligent engagement with NCAA’s regulatory actions,” she added.

Speaking at the workshop, the NCAA Media Consultant, Mr Toni Ukachukwu, said the event was organised to boost journalists’ knowledge of aviation to improve reportage.

According to him, understanding the NCAA structure will help prevent misreporting or panic narratives.

He emphasised that understanding the structure would help prevent misreporting or panic narratives.

Ukachukwu encouraged participants to reflect on their role as partners in accurate public communication.

“I want to reiterate that the NCAA’s authority is multi-dimensional, safety, economic regulation, and consumer rights,” he said.