Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, says it was ready to amend the law that established the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to enhance its operations across the country.
Akinlade spoke in Abuja at a retreat organised by NIMET to intimate the members of the Committee on the workings and terminologies of the Agency and challenges facing it.
Akinlade asked the Director-General of NIMET to submit the necessary amendments to the NiMet Act, emphasising that the retreat would strengthen the synergy between the committee and the agency.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration between the House Committee and the agency would lead to improved legislative support to address key issues affecting NiMet.
Akinlade said, “This gathering today in effect provides a connection between the committee and NIMET in finding ways of building synergy towards engendering a seamless working relationship to address challenges that your agency may grapple with through legislative input.
“One of such challenges which has now been resolved is the payment of 45 months arrears of minimum wage consequential adjustment, which working together, doused the intended industrial strike by NIMET staff.
“Today, both the committee and NIMET staff are happy that through concerted efforts of the committee, this has been paid and I want to thank NIMET staff for believing in the parliament.
“I also want to Salute the Adhoc committee headed by my deputy, Hon Sulaimon Yahya Richifa. With the Federal Government directive to slash Aviation agencies ‘ IGR deductions from 50% to 20% and NIMETs incisive efforts to pull out of the IPPIS arrangement, the future looks bright and promising.
“The pivotal functions of NIMET cut across many sectors of life which includes issuance of weather forecast for safe operation of Aircraft, Defence, Agriculture, Marine, Transport, Environment, Climate change Science and Technology to mention but a few. All these cannot be overemphasised.
“To be specific, NIMET has a lot to do in the arrear of weather forecast for our farmers so as to improve food production”.
Director-General of the agency, Professor Charles Anosike, outlined the agency’s core responsibilities, including projecting, preparing, and interpreting government policy on meteorology.
He underscored NiMET role in providing weather and climate forecasts for the safe operation of aircraft, maritime activities, agriculture, and oil rigs.
Professor Anosike also highlighted the agency’s responsibility for air quality monitoring and providing critical information to support environmental policies and public health initiatives.