NiMet Seeks Legal Backing for Cost Recovery Framework

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has renewed calls for a legislative amendment to support its evolving financial sustainability model.

On July 22, 2025, a public hearing convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology addressed a bill to amend the NiMet Act. The amendment, sponsored by former House Committee Chairman on Aviation Technology, Hon. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, aims to empower NiMet with a clear legal basis for cost recovery across various economic sectors.

At the hearing, Director General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, noted that the bill seeks to formalize a NiMet cost recovery framework. He explained that the proposed amendment will give NiMet a stronger foundation to charge for tailored services provided to non-aviation sectors. These include agriculture, maritime, telecommunications, oil and gas, construction, energy, transportation, and disaster management.

Professor Anosike emphasized that cost recovery is not novel, but a widely accepted global best practice among weather agencies. He added that such reforms are necessary to maintain infrastructure, improve staff welfare, and meet increasing public demand for real-time meteorological data.

Referencing international standards, he pointed to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Policy Document No. 1. This document urges National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to develop sustainable funding models. These allow governments to deliver core weather alerts free of charge, while recovering costs from industry users of customized data.

Also in attendance were representatives from the World Meteorological Organization, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Communications Commission, and several trade unions. Former NiMet Director-Generals—Engr. Dr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, and Professor Mansur Matazu—offered insights from their past leadership roles. Retired directors submitted written and oral recommendations to strengthen the draft law.

Declaring the session open, the Speaker of the House, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to a proactive, people-centred legislative process. He stressed that strengthening agencies like NiMet will aid Nigeria’s climate preparedness, economic planning, and public safety mechanisms.

In his concluding remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun, pledged that all submissions would be reviewed. He said the final amendments would align with the law and serve Nigeria’s long-term development interests.

“NiMet ensures national safety—on land, in the air, and at sea,” Kareem stated. “That mission requires adequate support from all stakeholders.”

NiMet’s move is strategic. In agriculture, reliable rainfall forecasts guide planting decisions. In maritime sectors, real-time sea-state warnings are essential for shipping safety. Telecommunications providers rely on climate data to secure infrastructure. Similarly, construction and energy companies benefit from long-range climate modeling to reduce project risks.

Through this bill, NiMet hopes to establish enforceable agreements with commercial clients, using a structured NiMet cost recovery framework. This will ensure that those who benefit most from specialized forecasts contribute fairly to service sustainability.

If passed, the amendment will boost transparency, promote equitable pricing, and ensure continuous improvement in weather and climate service delivery.