Ensuring Safety of Air Passengers
Chinedu Eze Meteorology plays critical role in air travel, as experts insist that weather is a significant factor contributing approximately between 11 per cent and 23 per cent of global air
The safety of air passengers is intricately linked to meteorology, as weather conditions contribute significantly to global air mishaps. In Nigeria, bad weather has been a factor in several tragic air crashes, including Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 in December 2005 and ADC Airlines Flight 053 in October 2006. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) plays a crucial role in providing accurate weather reports, which are vital for pilots to make informed decisions about flight operations.
However, despite warnings from control towers, pilots in these incidents chose to take off or land despite deteriorating weather conditions and known risks. This highlights the importance of reliable weather data for safe flight operations. At the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting in Lagos, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized the critical role NIMET plays in air travel and other sectors of the economy.
Keyamo revealed that the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, views weather and climate services as strategic national assets and critical public goods. The government has implemented a welfare package for NIMET staff and is working to bridge climate finance gaps through the Nigerian Climate Investment Platform, aiming to secure $500 million for climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.
The Director-General and CEO of NIMET, Professor Charles Anosike, pointed out that Africa faces a significant gap in basic weather and climate data, with the continent holding only about 30% of the global observation deficit. Anosike called for urgent investment in hydrometeorological infrastructure, noting that Africa currently has only about 12.5% of the minimum weather station density recommended by the World Meteorological Organization.
He emphasized the need for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to modernize weather and climate observation infrastructure in Nigeria, where the country spans over 900,000 square kilometers but currently has monitoring coverage in only about 12.5% of the recommended areas.
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