Sustaining the Nigerian aviation industry requires that all stakeholders within and outside the sector play critical roles that are not only patriotic, but that will not sabotage socio-economic development of the industry and the nation at large.

It requires patriotism,honesty,integrity and diligence of public and private institutions,including national and international stakeholders.

Prof.Mansur Bako Matazu

Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency(NiMet and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with World Meteorological Organisation Professor Mansur Bako Matazu stated this in Lagos while addressing participants at the 2023 League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents 27^th Annual Conference.

According to Professor Matazu,we have leart by COVID experience that the industry is highly dynamic,vulnerable,fast paced in terms of changing technology, and thus require forward thinking initiatives and policies to keep up with success.

“The industry therefore requires strategic long-term planning and innovations in relations to aviation business or economics, manpower management and competencies, infrastructure development, airline management, airport operations, Public Private Sector financing, Airport Security, Safety of lives and property among many others”,he said.

The NiMet boss noted that the role of the media in nation building is very important and requires courage, selflessness and truth while being patriotic. Such is the role of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents(LAAC in the industry”, he said.

Speaking further,he said as the Nigeria’s aviation media umbrella body with the responsibility of ensuring adequate coverage and reportage of activities within the industry,LAAC is strategic to the viability,relevance and growth of the industry.

“In aviation industry and as a Service Provider,my Agency,the Nigerian Meteorological Agency,in line with its establishment mandate continues to promote and implement activities in support of national socio-economic development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

Matazu is of the view that NiMet is critical  to the establishment,operations,and development of airports by providing climate and institutional weather observations, weather predictions and continuous atmospheric monitoring for alerts and warnings.

“NiMet provides round-the-clock weather information that are critical for airport development such as wind rose;and safety of air navigation which include weather information for take-off and landing,enroute, destination and alternate airports.”

“Our personnel are highly skilled,competent,and re-trained regularly to provide aeronautical meteorology services.”

“For every flying person,the services of the Agency must have been consumed albeit behind the scene.We have invested and continue to invest in facility upgrades to promote the efficiency of our operations.”

NiMet briefing rooms,he said,have been equipped and access to aeronautical weather information has improved through automation.

He disclosed that the Agency develops various products and services that are reliable,accurate,timely and actionable.These include the Seasonal Climate Prediction(SCP) which highlights vital weather and Climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in air,land and water transportation,agriculture,water resources, disaster management and mitigation,health,tourism,sports,power and energy.

Other products of the agency include the Marine inshore and offshore forecasts, public weather forecasts, impact-based weather forecast, Heavy rainfall forecasts and many more.

He said NiMet will continue to sensitise Nigerians on weather and climate related issues via its different products and services noting that the Agency will sustain efficiency, excellent cooperation.competency,uncompromising actions in the provision of products and services for the sustainable development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

“I urge us to uptake the Early Warning for Action information from the Agency into our plans and programmes even beyond aviation for continuous proactive action to avert losses,promote sustainable development and improve livelihoods”

“I also commend the strategic partnerships of all the stakeholders present here today and charge you all to remain unflinching as we continue to work together for the sustainable development of our industry and our dear nation”, he concluded.