Critical stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry have commended the efforts of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to boost manpower development through robust training programmes.

The NCAA is the major sponsor of this year’s ongoing League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) course holding at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The 5-Day training programme code-named LAAC-13 2025 is designed for different categories of aviation reporters and editors, cutting across five layers of classes, including: Basic, Advance, Management, Senior management and Refreshers courses for all the journalists.

Declaring open, the 2025 Training Course, the Rector/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila applauded NCAA  for continuously sponsoring the media training.

According to the NCAT Rector, the training would have a great impact on the journalists while reporting the industry.

In his remarks, LAAC Chairman, Mr Idris Suleiman expressed gratitude to the Director General, NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo for his extraordinarily support in ensuring LAAC returns to NCAT this year.

Suleiman equally thanked the NCAT management and other aviation agencies including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) for their contributions to the success of the training programme over the years.

Beyond the aviation agencies, Suleiman equally expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) for their steadfastness in supporting the training programme every year.

According to Suleiman, the training course is an opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen professional ethics, and explore new trends in global aviation.

“The global aviation industry has in recent times, witnessed fluctuations and undeniable changes in the level of patronage, expectations and realignments. Airlines and regulatory authorities have had to review business decisions and policies.

The toughness of the global economy was reflected in aircraft fleet renewals, cancellation of aircraft orders, changes in delivery dates by manufacturers and other effects.

“Back home in Nigeria, despite the challenges of excruciating airlines operating cost, operational and environmental constraints, more local airlines have received Air Operators’ Certificates within the last one year according to the NCAA while some other AOCs are being processed.

“The vision of investment in airports in the form of concessions is being piloted by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. “

“These and other developments call for more training in the sector and they represent more opportunities for NCAT to harvest the ripe field of training adventures in the industry.”

“As a nation, there exist opportunities for Nigeria to make progress in terms of its aviation development. LAAC therefore wishes to use this forum in the spirit of patriotism, to appeal to the various stakeholders and aviation authorities in the country to sustain their commitment towards the overall development of the sector”, the LAAC Chairman stated.