The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned aviation journalists and media houses to avoid sensational and panic reporting as such reports negatively affect the growth of the aviation industry.
The NCAA made the appeal at a two-day workshop for journalists and aviation experts on the role of the media in promoting aviation safety and security in Nigeria.
The workshop, titled “Driving Aviation Safety and Security Through Effective Regulation – The Role of the Media,” was organised by the Public Relations Department of the NCAA in partnership with Tom Associates, and it was aimed at educating media professionals on the importance of accurate and responsible reporting in the aviation sector.
Speaking at the workshop, one of the resource persons, Dr Ola Azeez, said the media plays a vital role in raising awareness about safety and security concerns, holding authorities accountable, and promoting transparency, hence the need to be abreast of aviation best practices.
Dr Azeez also further stated the need for media professionals to understand NCAA regulations and policies to report effectively and avoid sensationalism and panic reporting, which could affect the industry.
He said, “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.
“The aviation industry is not a joke, and all stakeholders must deliberate in playing their roles in the best interests of passengers and the country.
“If you don’t train them, don’t blame them. In addition to self-development on the part of aviation journalists, critical stakeholders like the NCAA must keep them abreast of happenings in the sector within and outside the country so they can become experts in the subject matter.
“So as we move forward. the importance of collaboration between the media and NCAA as the regulatory bodies in promoting a safety-first culture within the industry cannot be overemphasised”.
