The Public Relations Department of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently held a workshop on “Driving Aviation Safety and Security Through Effective Regulation – The Role of the Media,” which is aimed at educating the critical aspects of aviation safety and security. ADEOLA AKINBOBOLA reports.
The importance of safety and security in aviation does not inherently hinge on just basic regulations. The guidelines are important, but there are many other factors that come into play especially the role of the media in order to deliver a holistic mode in the aviation sector.
Aviation safety and security is the protection of air navigation and airport facilities, aircraft, passengers, crew, members of the public, cabin and catering supplies from criminal acts. But the role of the media in achieving these is vital in raising awareness about safety and security concerns, incidents, and accidents.
By bringing these issues to the forefront, the Two-day workshop which was held on the 16th-17th of August, 2024 in Nassarawa state, buttresses why the media needs to ensure that the public and stakeholders are informed, which can lead to proactive measures to prevent future occurrences.
President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Leadership, Coaching and Strategy and also a resource person at the workshop, Dr Ola Azeez in an overview of the NCAA on the regulatory powers and autonomy it wields, and the importance of effective media partnerships; as well as Understanding NCAA’s Regulatory Framework, highlighted the need for journalists to have a sound understanding of these regulations to report accurately and effectively.
Prioritising facts over drama
While speaking on the role of the media in reporting aviation incidents, he said media professionals should prioritize facts over drama, ensuring that the public receives information that is both accurate and reassuring.
According to him, in the age of social media, where misinformation can spread rapidly, the media must serve as a reliable source of truth, particularly in times of crisis.
Citing an example of misinformation to the public was when an online platform reported that few months after appointment of acting director-general of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo allegedly purchased 2022 Toyota Landcruiser (70th Anniversary Edition) worth over N250m, which was not even captured in the budget for himself.
But the Ag. Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo and the Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs of NCAA, Michael Achimugu in a press statement said they are not unaware of the elements behind these spurious attempts designed to aid the bid of certain power-seekers and will respond robustly to any further attempts to cause chaos in the agency.
The Ag. Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria (CAA) Capt. Chris Najomo had also tasked aviation journalists to eschew sensation and stick to truthful and responsible reportage at all times.
He gave the charge recently when the executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) paid him a courtesy call at the Corporate Headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja.
The Ag.DGCA commended the media for the robust reportage of the NCAA and the aviation industry in general adding that even the quality of their reports has improved.
“There was a recent incidence of an air return by an airline and I loved the way the media reported it. Previously, you would see headlines that “120 escape death”; “120 people cheated death” and those types of sensational reports for an air return that is a normal safety procedure in aviation. These headlines create unnecessary panic in the industry, but all that is changing now and it is commendable” he noted.
The significance of Authority’s autonomy
Dr. Azeez, while informing the journalists of the NCAA’s broad regulatory powers, emphasized the significance of the Authority’s autonomy in maintaining international standards within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In maintaining the International standards within Nigeria’s aviation industry was when the Authority recently commenced training of its Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and airlines’ staff representatives on using the soon-to-be-launched Consumer Protection Portal to solve real-time passenger complaints against airlines.
The portal which is first of it kind in the history of NCAA was to ensure the on-time performance of all the airlines operating in Nigeria.
The Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria (CAA) Capt. Chris Najomo during the training recalled that it was historic. “When you check the time frame it took us to get to this point, you will see the determination to make it work,” he said.
He recalled that the building of the portal started when he was the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
He noted that the portal has made the job easier for the 260 CPOs across all the airports in Nigeria.
Capt. Najomo said the portal building was a fulfilment of one of his action points for 2024 because it was to boost the ease of doing business environment.
According to him, the portal made the processes of complaints and resolution very easier adding that the portal is also for data collation.
“You will agree that data is a major issue in Nigeria. In the aviation industry, you can’t make a proper plan and get things right without data. This portal makes it easier for everyone including stakeholders,” he noted,” he said.
Intricacies of NCAA regulatory framework
Dr Azeez urged Journalists to understand the intricacies of the NCAA regulatory framework, and this knowledge not only aids in accurate reporting but also helps the public comprehend the importance of adhering to these regulations for their safety.
He, therefore, encouraged Journalists to foster collaborative relationships with regulatory bodies, stressing that such partnerships are crucial in promoting a culture of safety within the aviation industry.
Workshop Objectives
Some of the objectives of the workshop is Understanding the NCAA: The workshop aimed to provide media representatives with an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), its functions, and its regulatory framework.
This objective was crucial to ensuring that journalists have a solid grasp of the regulatory body they report on.
Other objectives are Education on Aviation Safety and Security which educated participants on the critical aspects of aviation safety and security, including regulatory actions and the strategic importance of media collaboration. This education was intended to enhance the media’s role in promoting safety and security within the industry.
Also, Enhancing Media Reporting which buttressess a key objective of strengthening the capacity of media professionals to report aviation-related incidents accurately, avoid sensationalism, and understand the implications of their reportage on public perception and safety. Accurate reporting is essential for maintaining public trust and safety.
Another objcetive at the workshop which is the Alignment with NCAA Policy is aimed sought to ensure that aviation journalists understand the policy direction of the NCAA and encourage their alignment with it. Understanding the NCAA’s policies is essential for consistent and informed reporting.
At the workshop, the media were advised to do in-depth investigations into safety lapses, security breaches, and regulatory shortcomings, the media helps uncover critical issues that might go unnoticed.
This investigative role is crucial in identifying and addressing potential aviation safety and security threats.
The media scrutinises regulatory bodies, airlines, and airports to ensure they comply with safety and security standards. This accountability is essential for maintaining high standards within the industry and preventing negligence.
Amongst other objectives, the workshop featured Journalists in Abuja, highlighting the media’s crucial involvement in ensuring safety and security concerns within the aviation industry are addressed promptly and effectively.
By fulfilling its roles, the media contributes significantly to maintaining the highest safety and security standards, ultimately safeguarding passengers’ lives and the aviation industry’s integrity.