By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has restated its commitment to improving and strengthening the services of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for national safety.
The Chairman House committee on Aviation Technology, Rep. Tajudeen Abisodun, gace the affirmation at a public hearing on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Establishment Act No.29, 2022, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the chairman, this amendment was imperative in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the country’s Meteorological Agency.
The lawmaker said that the proposed amendments were focused on key sections that require urgent attention specifically to amend section 13 sub-section 2.
According to him, these amendments are designed to strengthen the agency’s capacity to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts, warnings and advisories.
He said: “This Bill is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of our meteorological agency, which plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of lives and property, particularly in the aviation sector.
The proposed amendments focus on key sections that require urgent attention. Specifically, we aim to amend Section 13 (2), Section 16, and insert a new Section 15A. These amendments are designed to strengthen the agency’s capacity to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts, warnings, and advisories.
“Section 13 (2) Amendment
The proposed amendment to Section 13 (2) seeks to clarify the agency’s role in providing meteorological services to the aviation sector. This will ensure that our pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation stakeholders have access to reliable and accurate weather information, enabling them to make informed decisions that prioritize safety.
“Section 16 Amendment
The amendment to Section 16 aims to enhance the agency’s accountability and transparency in its operations. By strengthening the provisions related to the agency’s financial management and reporting, we can ensure that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.
“Insertion of New Section 15A
The proposed insertion of a new Section 15A focuses on the agency’s responsibility to provide early warning systems for severe weather events. This will enable the agency to proactively alert stakeholders about potential weather-related hazards, thereby reducing the risk of disasters and promoting public safety”.
Abisodun said that the bill would enable Pilots and air traffic controllers to access reliable and accurate weather information for informed decisions.
Earlier, the Speaker, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen described the public hearing as a reaffirmation of the commitment of the10th House to efficiency, accountability and transparency.
Speaker Abbas who was represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, said that prioritisation of the Citizens’ needs was imperative.
He said that the House will continue to provide legislative support in enhancing Nigeria’s safety and economic growth.
Abbas therefore urged the relevant stakeholders and participants to make crucial contributions aimed at improving the services of NIMET .
On his part, the sponsor of the Bill, Rep. Abisodun Akinlade said that aim of the Bill was to reposition NiMET for citizenry safety and economic growth.
According to him, NiMET is the only agency mandated by law to give Meteorological data for national safety.
Also speaking, the Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof Charles Anosike said that the purpose of the presentation was to justify the proposed amendments.
Anosike particularly supported the proposal for a cost recovery framework to ensure sustainable delivery of critical Meteorological services to sectors such as marine, construction and telecommunications.
The NIMET DG expressed the need for users of specialized Meteorological services to pay costs associated with the provision of such services.
He explained that there were inherent gaps in the current Act that limits NIMET ‘s optimal service delivery especially in cost recovery.
“While in the current Act, (sections 7(1)(i) and 7(2) empowers NiMET to issue Meteorological information and to impose cost and sustainability recovery charges.
“There is currently no equivalent mechanism for non-aeronautical sectors, resulting in unrecovered operational costs, increased pressure on funding, poor Infrastructural development and limited service coverage.”
Anosike said that it imperative to improve the services of NIMET in line with global best services particularly cost recovery from specialized services.
