By Favour Chioma
Abuja — The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), with a focus on improving infrastructure, staff welfare, and operational efficiency.
This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, during a familiarisation visit to NiMet as part of his ongoing tour of agencies under the Ministry.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu, the visit was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the Agency’s operations, achievements, and challenges.
Kambari commended the leadership of NiMet, particularly the Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, for prioritising staff welfare. He noted that a motivated workforce is essential for productivity and effective service delivery.
He urged the Agency to clearly define and prioritise its equipment needs to enable the Ministry to provide targeted support. The Permanent Secretary also assured that the security of NiMet’s infrastructure and critical equipment would receive immediate attention, stressing the importance of protecting national aviation assets.
As part of broader reforms, Kambari announced plans to reinstate regular top management meetings involving the Minister, Permanent Secretary, heads of agencies, and directors.
He explained that the meetings would help track performance, address sectoral challenges, and promote coordinated decision-making.
He reiterated the Ministry’s alignment with the Federal Government’s aviation agenda and called on NiMet staff to continue supporting the Agency’s leadership.
In his remarks, NiMet Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to enhance aviation safety.
Anosike highlighted ongoing efforts to improve staff welfare, including discussions around salary reviews in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He described NiMet as one of Nigeria’s oldest aviation institutions, with nearly a century of service in weather observation and data analysis. He noted that the Agency has been a member of the World Meteorological Organization since 1960 and has maintained ISO certification since 2013.
The Director-General also outlined recent innovations, including digital transformation initiatives, deployment of the METEO-WIZ system for operational meteorological data transmission, and the integration of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency.
However, he identified key challenges such as funding constraints, delays in statutory allocations, ageing infrastructure, staff welfare issues, and insecurity leading to vandalism of critical facilities.
Anosike disclosed that efforts are underway to amend the NiMet Act and recover outstanding funds from relevant agencies, including those in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The visit highlights the Ministry’s renewed drive to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and advance reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
