BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Monday, July 22, 2025, participated in a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the 2022 version of its Establishment Act, in a bid to enhance its operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, a former Chair of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, proposes key changes aimed at improving the Agency’s cost recovery mechanisms, particularly in non-aviation sectors, while reinforcing its mandate, infrastructure and service delivery.
Speaking at the hearing, which was organised by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, underscored the importance of the proposed amendment in ensuring the Agency’s long-term viability.
“Cost recovery is a globally accepted practice and a critical requirement for the Agency’s sustainability,” Professor Anosike said, noting that NiMet provides essential meteorological services beyond the aviation sector, yet lacks a robust legal framework to recoup the costs of such services.
The public hearing drew participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as organised labour and trade unions.
Also in attendance were three former Director-Generals of NiMet, Engr. Dr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, and Professor Mansur Matazu, who, along with former directors of the Agency, provided both written and oral submissions in support of the bill.
Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enabling Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) like NiMet to function more effectively.
“The legislature is committed to supporting MDAs that are critical to public safety, national development, and climate resilience,” he said.
“NiMet plays a vital role in monitoring hazardous weather, addressing climate change, and protecting vulnerable communities. Strengthening its legal framework is a step in the right direction.”
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun, assured participants that all contributions, both oral and written, would be carefully reviewed and considered in the final amendment draft.
He emphasized the significance of NiMet’s work across all sectors of the economy, noting its role in safeguarding lives on land, in the air, and on water.
“This amendment process is not just a legislative duty, it’s a collective responsibility to ensure that NiMet has the legal and institutional capacity to deliver on its critical mandate,” Hon. Abisodun stated.
