The Federal Government has taken a significant step to enhance information management in Nigeria’s aviation sector by training Public Relations (PR) and Public Affairs Officers from key aviation agencies in strategic communication.
The five-day capacity-building workshop, organised by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, focused on improving inter-agency collaboration, communication efficiency, and public engagement. The training brought together 40 directors and PR officers from various aviation parastatals.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the workshop, facilitated by the African Investments and Development Group, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication within the aviation industry in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The lead facilitator, Frimpong Boateng, underscored the need for synergy among aviation agencies, stressing that the sector’s complexity demands deliberate and coordinated communication.
“The aviation industry is complex and requires communication, collaboration, and coordination among public affairs departments to effectively inform and educate the public,” Boateng said.
He warned against unhealthy competition and silo operations among agencies, noting that “unhealthy rivalry weakens decision-making and slows problem-solving.” Boateng further urged participants to embrace technology-driven tools for better information dissemination and to prioritise customer service and leadership communication in their daily operations.
Modules taught at the workshop included tetrafunctional communication in aviation, emotional intelligence, crisis communication, and customer service strategies, equipping officers with modern tools for effective stakeholder engagement.
The Head of Press and Public Affairs Unit at the Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, commended Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) for initiating the training, describing it as the first of its kind in the history of the Ministry.
“Keyamo is an agent of change who is driving the Renewed Hope Agenda. This training empowers Public Affairs Officers to provide accurate and timely information to the public,” Oluseyi said.
He urged policymakers to continue investing in human capacity development to ensure that aviation achievements are properly communicated to Nigerians and the international community.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Abdullahi Musa, said the training was vital to improving coordination among agencies.
“The training is key to the industry; we cannot achieve desired results without proper communication, collaboration, and coordination. Information remains the lifeblood of every organisation,” Musa noted.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Affairs at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, hailed the workshop for promoting idea-sharing and teamwork.
“It was a wonderful initiative and an opportunity to interface with the Ministry and other agencies. The initiative will enhance inter-agency collaboration and productivity,” Orah said, pledging FAAN’s support for future training programmes.
The training aligns with the government’s broader agenda to improve operational efficiency and safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Analysts believe that better-trained PR officers will help rebuild public trust, especially in crisis situations, by ensuring transparent and timely communication.
By equipping aviation PROs with strategic communication skills, the Federal Government aims to enhance the image of the aviation industry, foster stakeholder confidence, and promote Nigeria as a reliable air transport hub in Africa.