NiMet, airline operators to forge strategic collaboration on weather forecast
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is set to forge strategic partnerships with airline operators with a view to improving weather forecasts in the country.
In a pivotal meeting at the headquarters of NiMet in Abuja, Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director-General/CEO of NiMet, received Chief Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, who paid a courtesy visit to discuss potential collaborations between NiMet and the aviation industry.
Accompanied by Mr. Linus Awute oon, Director of Administration, Chief Okonkwo expressed his delight in witnessing a leader of Professor Anosike’s caliber at the helm of NiMet.
He commended the agency’s commitment to excellence and foresaw Professor Anosike’s leadership, aimed at bringing about the necessary reforms to reposition NiMet effectively.
Chief Okonkwo, a user of NiMet services and a prominent stakeholder in the aviation sector, emphasised the critical role weather plays in aviation operations.
He advocated for increased collaboration between NiMet and airline operators, stressing the importance of disseminating professional weather information to the public, especially for the benefit of the aviation industry.
“I really think that for us in the aviation sector, we have to find a way the professional information or forecasts that we have about weather is out at our doorstep one week ahead.
“My plea to you is that this information about weather that you get should not be kept to yourself, it must be made known to the public, as it affects them.
“As an operator in the aviation sector, it is high time we looked for a very good collaboration to support NiMet in making its weather information known to the public,” Okonkwo stated.
Addressing the challenges faced by airline operators in communicating weather-related delays and cancellations to travellers, Chief Okonkwo called for improved collaboration with sister agencies in aviation.
He urged the DG NiMet to advocate for compulsory infrastructural requirements at operating airports to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
In response, Professor Charles Anosike expressed gratitude for the visit and assured Chief Okonkwo that NiMet is committed to addressing the identified challenges.
He highlighted NiMet’s role in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit score and pledged to strengthen collaboration with the airlines.
“We will give you more insight so that you know the strength and what we need to strengthen in this industry. We will address all these issues and improve the way we work with the airlines because it is a regulated environment,” Anosike affirmed.
As a symbol of goodwill, both parties exchanged gifts and souvenirs in commemoration of the visit, marking the beginning of a potentially transformative collaboration between NiMet and United Nigeria Airlines.
