The Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Matazu as assured improved infrastructure and equipment for weather observation and forecasting under the present administration.
Prof. Mansur Matazu who gave the assurance in a good will message on the occasion of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Airport Council International-Africa (ACI-Africa) Safety Week 2021 in Abuja said, in a move to ensure that the giant steps taken and the gains made by the Agency in the aviation sector in recent years are not eroded, said, the state of NiMET’s equipment and infrastructure including human resource, across all the airports in the country are evaluated and necessary action taken to improve safety and service delivery.
According to him, the assessment team set up has so far assessed 7 airports namely, Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Katsina, Kano, Port Harcourt and Calabar Airports while the assessment of other airports have also been scheduled to commence soon.
He explained that from the beginning to the end of every flight journey, weather events are critical hence the importance of availability of adequate information regarding current and predicted weather cannot be overemphasised.
Prof. Matazu noted that, despite the industry current recovery around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still clearly visible within, adding that,with dwindling revenue, funds to sustain security and safety are also limited hence, every effort to promote safety and security by any government must be encouraged.
He however says, government alone cannot do all calling on every industry player to come together to ensure security and safety as a culture in line with the vision of ICAO.
“I therefore urge every stakeholder here present to continue to support government in the effort to ensure security and safety at our airports. Congratulation to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Airport Council International-Africa (ACI-Africa) for this laudable initiative. I wish everyone a fruitful, rewarding and engaging safety week campaign”.
While applauding the efforts being made by the Management of FAAN, led by Captain Rabiu Yadudu, Prof. Matazu noted that the sector can only grow, without slowing down the current recovery efforts, if the lives and property in and round the airports are safe.
“Additionally, just like weather that has no boundary, aviation is one, globally. The level of security at one airport is well connected to others, either as originating, alternate or destination flights. It is therefore a right event at the right time, to discuss ways of promoting collective and inclusive security and safety at our airports”.
“While we all work hard to build security and safety culture at our airports, we must not lose sight of safety at take-off, airborne, and landing. This is largely dependent on the prevailing weather conditions at the airports and enroute. This is where we work tirelessly all-hours, as an agency of government, to ensure safety of lives and property onboard every flight”
