The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has made a compelling case at a public hearing in Abuja for the amendment of its Establishment Act to enhance cost recovery, expand service delivery, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The hearing, hosted by the House Committee on Aviation Technology on June 22, 2025, focused on a bill sponsored by the former chair of the committee, Hon. Isiaq Akinlade. The bill seeks to revise the 2022 version of NiMet’s Act, with particular attention to establishing a clearer framework for cost recovery from both aviation and non-aviation sectors.
According to NiMet’s director-general, Prof. Charles Anosike, the proposed amendments are necessary to give the Agency the financial and legal backing to deliver on its mandate effectively. He emphasized that cost recovery is a global best practice in meteorological services, noting that it is vital to sustaining operations, enhancing infrastructure and improving staff welfare.
Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s socio-economic spectrum participated in the hearing. These included representatives of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), trade unions and former NiMet directors-general – Engr. Dr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Anthony Anuforom and Prof. Mansur Matazu. Past directors also contributed through written and oral presentations.
Opening the session, the Speaker of the House – represented by the deputy Chief Whip – reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting MDAs that deliver public value, especially in mitigating the risks of climate change and hazardous weather.
In closing, the committee chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun assured participants that the Committee would comprehensively review all contributions to ensure the final amendments are in line with the law and national interest.
