BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
As part of his ongoing nationwide inspection of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) facilities, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, commenced a tour of the agency’s Northwest Zonal Headquarters at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of critical meteorological infrastructure, engaging with agency staff, and reinforcing NiMet’s commitment to aviation safety and service excellence.
Upon arrival at the zonal headquarters, Professor Anosike and his delegation were warmly received by the Meteorological Manager, Adewara Hassan, the State Meteorological Inspector (SMI), Mr. Banky Jonathan, and other key personnel.
The DG proceeded to inspect NiMet’s essential operational assets, including the METEO station located at the airport’s tarmac, pilot briefing rooms at both the domestic and international terminals, and other technical installations crucial to ensuring accurate weather forecasting and aviation safety.
During an interactive session with the staff, Professor Anosike assured them of continued government support, emphasizing the backing of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While commending the zonal office for its organization, he expressed concern over the state of some meteorological instruments, citing issues of poor documentation, vandalism, and, in certain cases, sabotage.
“I am impressed with what we have seen during our tour. The Northwest zonal office of NiMet is well-organized, even though many of our instruments, as observed, are not working due to lack of transparency in documentation, vandalization, and in some cases, sabotage.
“I thank our scientists, observers, forecasters, engineers, and all the staff working in the region for their dedication and commitment despite noted challenges,” he stated.
Professor Anosike emphasized the importance of safeguarding and maintaining the agency’s infrastructure, noting that meteorology plays a fundamental role in aviation safety.
“Meteorology is the foundation of aviation safety protocols. Aviation can never be safe if meteorology services are not being done optimally.
“Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, has a special status as a flight information region. We have to ensure that the investments government is making in replacing obsolete and damaged equipment are protected.
“We must hold our contractors accountable and ensure that the equipment they supply and install meets the required standards and specifications.
“The era of installing equipment without training and then having the contractor disappear is over. We need our staff in the regions to enforce this,” he charged.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to staff welfare, Professor Anosike disclosed that management has been actively working to improve employee conditions, with key approvals already secured from the federal government.
Accompanying the DG on the inspection were Engr. Abdulkareem Hamid Olayinka, Director of Engineering and Technical Services; Professor Vincent Weli, Director of Weather Forecasting Services; Cyprian Okpalaku, Special Adviser to the DG/CEO on Information Communications Technology (ICT); and Dr. Haruna Zakari, Technical Assistant to the DG/CEO of NiMet.
With his ongoing facility assessment tour, Professor Anosike assured of driving NiMet’s mission to enhance meteorological services, strengthen aviation safety and ensure that critical weather infrastructure meets global standards.
