In a strategic move to strengthen communication and coordination in Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has concluded a five-day training workshop for information, public relations and public affairs officers.
The workshop, held in Calabar, brought together 40 communication professionals from the ministry and its key agencies, including the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Themed “Effective Agency Communication, Collaboration, and Coordination (CCC) in the Highly Complex Aviation Industry,” the training aimed to improve synergy among agencies and equip officers with tools for strategic communication.
Dr. Frimpong Boateng, facilitator from the African Investments and Development Group (AFRIDEG), highlighted the complex nature of the aviation industry and the importance of information flow across its multiple stakeholders. He stated that poor communication often stems from inter-agency rivalry, fragmented operations and a lack of trust.
“The aviation sector cannot afford silos. When departments fail to collaborate or communicate effectively, it weakens public trust and institutional performance,” Boateng said.
He emphasised the importance of coordinated public messaging, especially in crisis communication, customer engagement, and policy alignment. He also stressed that embracing technology is no longer optional in the digital age.
“Technology drives growth. Public affairs officers must integrate digital tools to improve both internal coordination and public communication,” he added.
Boateng also encouraged participants to develop emotional intelligence, share information proactively, and work as decision-makers rather than message carriers. “The essence of communication is understanding, not prominence,” he noted.
Participants explored several key modules, including the essentials of collaboration, emotional intelligence in leadership, effective customer service strategies and tetrafunctional communication approaches unique to aviation.
Head of press and public affairs at the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi praised the initiative and credited the minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN for prioritising capacity building under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This is the first of its kind in the ministry’s history. With this kind of training, our officers are better prepared to deliver timely and accurate information to the public and to foster collaboration among our agencies,” Oluseyi said.
He underscored that improved communication and coordination are central to the sector’s transformation and urged the continuation of such initiatives across all aviation parastatals.
Director of public affairs and consumer protection at NAMA, Dr. Abdullahi Musa also commended the workshop, noting that communication is the “lifeblood” of effective operations.
“This training provides the platform for synergy between the ministry and its agencies. Without clear and consistent communication, achieving industry goals is impossible,” Musa said.
Director of public affairs and consumer protection at FAAN, Obiageli Orah echoed similar sentiments. She described the training as a “wonderful initiative” and a much-needed opportunity to bridge inter-agency gaps.
“This forum has created space for ideas to be shared, teamwork to be strengthened, and institutional productivity to be enhanced,” she said. She praised the facilitator’s professional delivery and pledged FAAN’s support for the continued rollout of such programmes.
The training concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to deepen collaboration, ensure consistent messaging, and embrace technology-driven solutions in their communications work. Stakeholders agreed that building capacity in public affairs is essential for policy transparency, operational efficiency and sector-wide growth.
As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to expand, the ministry’s focus on communication strategy marks a significant step toward improved governance, public engagement and inter-agency effectiveness.
