The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has told the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, that airline operators in the country will support him to achieve the mandate of the agency.
Okonkwo made the promise when he visited Anosike at the NiMet headquarters yesterday in Abuja.
He said: “I am delighted that Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appointed someone of Professor Anosike’s caliber, a cerebral and highly focused person as DG/CEO of NiMet. It reinforces the importance the government attaches to this very important agency that is critical not only to the aviation, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors, but also to other critical sectors of the economy.
“Professor Anosike is a seasoned leader and administrator with proven track record of management of men and materials. I have no doubt that he will bring the necessary leadership to the organisation.
“As operators in the aviation industry, we have always yearned for closer partnership and collaboration with NiMet. The service NiMet provides is strategic. We don’t have to wait for when there is impending flood to access NiMet’s services.
“For the aviation sector, the airlines require weather information one week or even one month ahead so that we can plan our flight schedules accordingly.
“This week alone, there have been several disruptions of flight operations. It is becoming increasingly difficult for operators to explain the disruptions to passengers. Operators don’t like delays as well.
“We know that NiMet cannot change the weather, but the agency should inform the public ahead about weather conditions.
“We suggest that NiMet starts daily weather updates to passengers to prepare their minds ahead of weather disruptions, especially during this harmattan season…”
Anosike thanked Professor Okonkwo for the visit. He said: “I have heard all that you said. I want to assure you that NiMet is ready to collaborate, partner and support the airline operators. We will improve the way NiMet works. We will also take your advice on board.”
