By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is seeking a legislative amendment to its Establishment Act in a move aimed at enhancing its cost recovery mechanisms and strengthening its service delivery across key sectors of the economy.
This development emerged during a public hearing on Tuesday at the National Assembly, on a bill sponsored by former Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade.
The proposed amendment to the 2022 version of NiMet’s Establishment Act seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework that will empower the Agency to recover operational costs, particularly from non-aviation sectors, and reinvest in critical infrastructure, staff welfare, and institutional efficiency.
Delivering his presentation at the hearing, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized that cost recovery is an internationally recognized practice and essential for the sustainability of the Agency’s operations.
He noted that as climate change intensifies, NiMet must be adequately positioned to provide timely, accurate, and actionable weather information to safeguard lives and property on land, in the air, and at sea.
The public hearing was convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology and attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as various trade unions.
Also in attendance were former Director-Generals of NiMet Engr. Dr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, and Professor Mansur Matazu along with other past directors of the Agency who made both written and oral submissions.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives represented by the Deputy Chief Whip while declaring the session open, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening government institutions. He stressed that supporting agencies like NiMet through appropriate legislation is key to addressing modern challenges such as climate change, disaster preparedness, and the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Also, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun, in his closing remarks assured participants that the committee would give due consideration to all submissions. He reiterated the importance of NiMet’s role in ensuring national safety and development, noting that the proposed amendments are part of a collective national effort to build a more responsive and capable meteorological service.
If passed, the amended Act is expected to reposition NiMet as a more autonomous, financially viable, and operationally efficient agency in line with international standards.
admin