BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, has applauded the strategic steps and bold initiatives undertaken by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to advance air safety and Nigeria’s economy in general.
He gave the commendation on Friday, January 10, 2025, when he visited the agency as part of a familiarity tour of agencies under the Aviation Ministry.
The visit highlighted the NiMET’s vital role in supporting national development and its collaboration with various sectors.
Welcoming the Permanent Secretary, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, provided an overview of the agency’s operations and its active partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
As Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the WMO, Prof. Anosike emphasized the global recognition of NiMet’s contributions to meteorology and its vital role in various sectors.
“We have strong relationships with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Blue Economy, and other MDAs who rely on our weather forecasts for various operations, underscoring the agency’s broad impact across critical national industries,” Anosike stated
In his response, Dr. Kana expressed deep appreciation for NiMet’s contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. He commended the agency’s leadership and staff for their dedication, acknowledging their significant efforts in providing essential meteorological services.
“I appreciate the strong relationship existing between NiMet and other government ministries and agencies. I call for even stronger and better relationships between the heads of the agencies. I will work with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, to see that NiMet receives more government support,” Dr. Kana promised.
The Permanent Secretary also lauded the hard work of Professor Anosike and his team, encouraging them to continue their commitment to excellence.
He emphasized the importance of NiMet’s services in driving informed decision-making across sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and environmental management.
As part of the visit, Dr. Kana was taken on a comprehensive tour of NiMet’s facilities, including the newly established digital weather broadcasting studio.
The state-of-the-art facility exemplifies the agency’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance its services.
The Permanent Secretary said his visit highlights the Ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration between aviation sector agencies and ensuring they receive the support needed to fulfill their mandates effectively.
