By Miriam Humbe
To continue his nationwide tour of facilities of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), to ascertain firsthand the state of equipment and facilities and interact with agency staff, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, began a tour of the Northwest zonal headquarters.
On arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Zonal Headquarters of the agency, Prof. Anosike and his team were met by the Meteorological Manager, Adewara Hassan, Mr Banky Jonathan, the State Meteorological Inspector (SMI), and other members of staff.
Prof. Anosike a a tour of NiMet’s critical assets needed to keep maintaining aviation safety, including the METEO station located at the airport’s tarmac area, the pilot briefing rooms at both the domestic and international wings of the airport and other facilities.
During an interactive session with the staff, Prof. Anosike gave them assurances of the continued support of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. SAN, and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I am impressed with what we have seen during our tour. The Northwest zonal office of NiMet is well organized, even though many of our instruments as observed are not working due to lack of transparency in documentation, vandalization and in some cases sabotage.
“I thank our scientists, observers, forecasters, engineers, and all the staff working in the region for their dedication and commitment despite noted challenges”.
Professor Anosike charged the staff to ensure that equipment and other facilities under their care are optimally protected and maintained.
“Meteorology is the foundation of aviation safety protocols. Aviation can never be safe if meteorology services are not being done optimally. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, has a special status as a flight information region.
“We have to ensure that the investments government is making in replacing obsolete and damaged equipment are protected.
