The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, has pledged full support to the newly appointed Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Charles Anosike. During a courtesy visit to NIMET’s Head Office in Abuja on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Prof. Okonkwo expressed confidence in Prof. Anosike’s capabilities and emphasized the importance of close collaboration between airlines and NIMET.
In his statement, Prof. Okonkwo commended the appointment of Prof. Anosike by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a cerebral and highly focused individual. He highlighted the critical role of NIMET in sectors such as aviation, oil and gas, agriculture, and other key areas of the economy.
Acknowledging the disruptions in flight operations due to weather conditions, Prof. Okonkwo stressed the need for proactive communication from NIMET to airlines and passengers. He suggested daily weather updates for passengers to better prepare for potential disruptions, especially during seasons like harmattan.
Furthermore, Prof. Okonkwo called for collaboration among aviation sector agencies to ensure that airports provide necessary equipment, such as the instrument landing system (ILS), for safe aircraft landings. He proposed sanctions for airports that fail to address equipment issues.
In response, Prof. Anosike expressed gratitude for the visit and assured Prof. Okonkwo of NIMET’s commitment to collaboration and improvement. He pledged to consider the suggestions made and work towards enhancing the agency’s services, emphasizing the importance of a supportive partnership with airline operators.
