By Disun Amosun
Chairman House of Representatives committee on Aviation Technology Rep. Tajudeen AbisodunTuesday reaffirmed its commitment to improving and strengthening the services of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for national safety.
Abisodun stated this at a public hearing on a Bill to amend the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Establishment Act No.29, 2022 in Abuja.
He said that the amendment was necessary in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the country’s Meteorological Agency.
“This Bill is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the existing four Meteorological Agency that plays vital roles in ensuring the safety of lives and property, particularly in the aviation sector,” he said.
The lawmaker said that the proposed amendments were focused on key sections that require urgent attention specifically to amend section 13 sub-sections 2.
According to him, these amendments are designed to strengthen the agency’s capacity to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts, warnings and provide other advisory measures
Rep Abisodun reiterated the imperative of NIMET’s quality service delivery and said that the bill would enable Pilots and air traffic controllers to access reliable and accurate weather information for informed decisions.
Earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen described the public hearing as a reaffirmation of the House of Representatives commitment to efficiency, accountability and transparency.
Abbas, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip Rep Isiaka Ibrahim said the prioritization of the Citizens’ needs was imperative and that the House would continue to provide legislative support in enhancing Nigeria’s safety and economic growth.
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, adding that NiMET was the sole 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, particularly the proposal for a cost recovery framework to ensure sustainable delivery of critical Meteorological services.
The NIMET DG expressed the need for users of specialized Meteorological services to pay costs associated with the provision of such services as there were inherent gaps in the current Act that limits NIMET ‘s optimal service delivery especially in cost recovery.
