One of Nigeria’s domestic carriers, United Nigeria Airlines said it has approached the Nigeria Meteorological (NiMet) Agency for strategic collaboration on providing better air transport services.
In a notable meeting at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja, its director-general, Prof. Charles Anosike played host to the chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Obiora Okonkwo. The visit was a courtesy call by Okonkwo, who expressed his delight and extended congratulations to Anosike.
Accompanied by the director of administration, Mr. Linus Awute, Okonkwo conveyed his confidence in Anosike’s leadership, expressing optimism about the positive impact it would have on NiMet’s repositioning.
“I am delighted that such a person of this calibre is allowed to prove himself. I do not doubt that he would bring the necessary leadership that will reposition NiMet,” said Okonkwo.
Being both a user of NiMet services and a major stakeholder as the chairman of a leading private airline in Nigeria, Okonkwo emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between NiMet and airline operators in the aviation sector. He stressed the critical role weather information plays in the aviation industry and urged NiMet to make weather forecasts more accessible to the public.
“As an operator in the aviation sector, it is high time we looked for a very good collaboration to support NiMet to make sure its weather situation is made known to the public,” he urged.
Okonkwo highlighted the need for improved communication regarding weather-related flight delays or cancellations to prevent negative reactions from travellers. He also raised concerns about the rights of operators and called for collaboration between NiMet and sister agencies in aviation to establish mandatory infrastructural requirements for operating airports.
Responding to Okonkwo’s remarks, Anosike expressed gratitude for the visit and assured him that NiMet would work on strengthening collaboration with airlines. He emphasised NiMet’s commitment to addressing issues in the aviation industry and providing more insights into its assets and infrastructure.
“We will give you more insight so that you know the strength and what we need to strengthen in this industry. So, I thank you for this visit, and we are looking forward to this collaboration. We will address all these issues and improve the way we work with the airlines,” said Anosike.
