The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, played host to a public hearing on a proposed amendment to its Establishment Act.
The hearing, convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, focused on a bill sponsored by Hon. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, former Chair of the Committee. The bill seeks to revise the 2022 version of the Act with a major focus on enhancing the Agency’s cost recovery framework, particularly in non-aviation sectors.
In his presentation at the hearing, the Director General and CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, stressed that cost recovery is a globally accepted standard and a critical element in ensuring the Agency’s sustainability. He noted that the proposed amendments would enable NiMet to improve efficiency, upgrade infrastructure, enhance staff welfare, and better fulfill its statutory mandate.
The public hearing attracted key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape, including representatives from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), trade unions, and several former Directors General of the Agency. Among the former DGs present were Engr. Dr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, and Professor Mansur Matazu, all of whom made substantial contributions both orally and in writing.
Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s dedication to a legislature that prioritizes the people. He emphasized the need for MDAs like NiMet to be equipped to address national challenges, support economic growth, respond to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, and build the resilience of vulnerable communities.
In his closing remarks, Committee Chairman Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun commended all participants and promised that the Committee would give due consideration to all submissions received. He reiterated the importance of NiMet’s role in safeguarding lives on land, in the air, and at sea and called for collective responsibility in supporting the Agency’s work.
The hearing marks a significant step toward legislative reforms that could empower NiMet to better serve Nigeria’s evolving meteorological needs.
