The Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, Prof Mansur Matazu says, sustainability of the Aviation industry is dependent on stakeholders collaboration.
This is just as Prof. Matazu emphasized that NiMet is poised to developing various products and services that are reliable, accurate, timely and actionable.
Speaking at the 2023 Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), the 27th edition in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Aviation Industry: Changing Times, Changing Strategies’, Prof Matazu described the the theme of the event as apt as the COVID experience has taught all stakeholders that the industry is highly dynamic, vulnerable, fast-paced in terms of changing technology, and thus require forward thinking initiatives and policies to keep up with success.
Prof. Matazu represented by the Director, Research and Training, NiMet, Prof. Effiom Oku emphasized that, in sustaining the sector would require that all stakeholders within and outside the industry play critical roles that are not only patriotic but that will not sabotage socio-economic development of the industry and the nation at large.
“It requires patriotism, honesty, integrity, and diligence of public and private institutions including national and international Stakeholders”.
He added, “The Aviation Industry in Nigeria is one of the fastest growing industries with tremendous contribution to the nations’ GDP by providing, revenue to the nation, livelihoods for workers, catalytic support to other Sectors, growth for the nation among others”.
The NiMET boss also harped on strategic long-term planning and innovations in relation to aviation business or economics, manpower management and competencies.
“Infrastructure development, airline management, airport operations, Public-Private Sector financing, Airport Security, Safety of lives and property among many others”.
NiMET Role
Prof. Matazu speaking on the role of the agency in promoting safety in the Aviation industry and other sector said, as a Service Provider, in line with its establishment mandate continues to promote and implement activities in support of national socio-economic development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Explaining further, he stated that Agency is critical to the establishment, operations, and development of airports by providing climatic and insitu weather observations, weather predictions and continuous atmospheric monitoring for alerts and warnings.
“NiMet provides round-the-clock weather information that are critical for airport development e.g., wind rose; and safety of air navigation which includes weather information for take-off and landing, enroute, destination and alternate airports. Our personnel are highly skilled, competent, and re-trained regularly to provide aeronautical meteorology services”.
“For every flying person, the services of the Agency must have been consumed albeit behind the scenes. We have invested and continue to invest in facility upgrades to promote efficiency of our operations”.
“Our briefing rooms have been equipped and access to aeronautical weather information has been improved through automation”, he added.
NiMet Products/Services
These include the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) which highlights vital Weather and Climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in air, land, and water transportation, agriculture, water resources, disaster management and mitigation, health, tourism, sports, power & energy etc.
Other products include the Marine inshore and offshore forecasts, public weather forecasts, Impact-based weather forecast, Heavy rainfall forecasts and many more.
Media Role
Prof. Mansur Matazu called on the media organizations under the umbrella of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC to form a strategic partnerships with all the stakeholders and charge the body to remain unflinching and continue to work together for the Sustainable development “of our industry and our dear nation”.
“The role of the media in nation building is very important and it requires courage, selflessness and truth while being patriotic. Such is the role of LAAC in the aviation industry. As the Nigeria’s aviation media umbrella body with the responsibility of ensuring adequate coverage and reportage of activities within the industry, LAAC is strategic to the Visibility, Relevance and Growth of the Industry”.
He encouraged, Aviation Agencies, Airline operators, Aviation Stakeholders, and the Media, to uptake the Early Warning for Early Action information from the Agency into their plans and programmes even beyond aviation for continuous proactive actions to avert losses, promote sustainable development and improve livelihoods.
He promised, “NiMet will continue to sensitize Nigerians on weather and climate related issues via our different products and services. The Agency will sustain efficiency, excellent cooperation, competency, and uncompromising actions in the provision of products and services for the sustainable development of the aviation industry in Nigeria”.
Award
At the LAAC conference, NiMet was given an award as the Service Provider of the Year 2023.
The award is recognition of NiMet’s improved service delivery to the aviation industry and the general public.
