NiMet deploys e-flight weather to boost safe flight operations

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has replaced its traditional manual flight folder system with an electronic flight folder (e-flight folder) as part of efforts to improve efficiency in providing weather information for safe flight operations. The agency, as a multi-sectoral service provider, rendering services to aviation, marine, environment, agriculture, among others, said it required “continuous […]

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has replaced its traditional manual flight folder system with an electronic flight folder (e-flight folder) as part of efforts to improve efficiency in providing weather information for safe flight operations.

The agency, as a multi-sectoral service provider, rendering services to aviation, marine, environment, agriculture, among others, said it required “continuous investments” to sustain its services.

Director-General/CEO of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike spoke in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement forum with the theme, “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action” where he also unveiled the Aeronautical Meteorology Bulletin, a publication designed to promote a deeper understanding of meteorology in the aviation industry.

The tool provides virtual access to a comprehensive suite of flight briefing applications, including weather reports to pilots and airlines, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing safety protocols.

He said, “Creating a safer and more trustworthy weather-ready aviation environment is pivotal to our success as we strengthen and expand our quality management systems, including ISO certifications.”

He stressed the commitment of the agency to remain steadfast in observing and monitoring the Nigerian Atmosphere for potential hazards, taking records of meteorological elements, making weather and climate predictions across various timescales and ensuring timely communication of weather and climate information.

He stated that providing “reliable early warnings” that help safeguard aviation, agriculture, marine & blue economy, water resources, energy, health, disaster risk reduction, building & construction, telecommunication and many other sectors.

“Sustaining these services require continuous investments. In addition to the Federal Government support through budget allocations, the Agency has relied primarily on cost recovery for sustainability. Despite the limited resources available to the Agency, service quality has never been compromised, and we are constantly expanding the scope of our services in line with NiMet’s establishment mandate.

“Hence, a clarion call for support across various sectors to recover more costs and improve on our overall service delivery.”

Anosike stated that NiMet’s flagship product which is the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) has become a vital early warning tool for farmers, livestock practitioners, and other sectors of the economy.

The SCP provides crucial information on the onset and cessation dates of the rainy season, length of the rainy season, annual total rainfall, dry spell occurrence, little dry season, temperature forecasts, climate and health, and their socio-economic implications.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar Ahmed said climate change poses a significant challenge to safe flight operation leading to increased turbulence, disrupted flight schedules, route changes, among others.

Ahmed, represented by Tayo John, Director of Operations at NAMA, emphasised the need for domesticated and tropicalized solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change.

As professionals in various fields, Ahmed stressed that it is imperative to proffer workable solutions to the climatic issues affecting society, with the ultimate goal of preventing disasters on the ground or in the air.

The Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., commended NiMet for its efforts in raising awareness on climate risks and promoting early action which has helped in safeguarding lives and livelihoods through accurate weather and climate information.

He noted that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCPs) and early warning systems have been vital in supporting safety and resilience across agriculture, disaster management, and transportation.

According to him, the NSIB values NiMet’s contributions to enhancing transport safety by providing critical weather insights that inform safety investigations and recommendations.