EDITOR’S NOTE
First off, many thanks to all our readers both internal and external, for their engaging and insightful contributions, as well as commendations for the maiden edition of this publication by the Corporate Communications Unit of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet.
In tandem with its muse towards self-sustainability, the Agency has entered into a strategic partnership with its international collaborators in Africa, Europe and North-America.
This is why this edition comes to you in two languages to enable our Anglophone and Francophone stakeholders keep trail of the Agency’s journey towards self-sustainability under the innovative leadership of Dr. Anthony Anuforom, DG/CEO, NiMet, ably supervised by the vibrant Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka.
Discover this unfolding sequence of events in NiMet and indeed the aviation sector in this must-read publication, packaged to excite, inform and educate you, the reader.
AVIATION
Safety, Safety, says Chidoka!
Mr. Osita Chidoka has highlighted safety on air and security of infrastructure in the airports as the two cardinal objectives of his administration as he takes over as the Minister of Aviation.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, where he officially took over fromthe Supervising Minister, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Chidoka pledged his commitment to revolutionize aviation in Nigeria and justify government's huge investment in the sector.
He thanked the outgoing supervising minister, Ortom, for successfully running the affairs of the Ministry during the period leading to the appointment of a substantive Minister and acknowledged that his task would include an effective synergy with the Permanent Secretary/staff of the Aviation Ministry, as well as Chief Executives Officers/staff of Aviation Agencies.
The objective of a healthy synergy according to the Minister is not intended to be intrusive, but to wholesomely address all infrastructure challenges in order to realize safety, security and profit in the aviation sector in Nigeria: “we are not going to interfere,our main job is to aid the parastatals to do their jobs, but we shall supervise, monitor and improvewhat already exists, in line with the Aviation Master Plan”.
For about 7 years before his appointment as the substantive Minister of Aviation, Chidoka was Corp Marshall and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission.
Born 43 years ago in Anambra State, Nigeria, Osita Chidoka holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Nigeria, a Masters degree in Transport Policy and Logistics from masons University, USA and several other certificates in Global Strategy and Political economy from England. Having served as aid to several key government appointees in the early stage of his political career, prior to his appointment as Corp marshal of Federal Road Safety, Chidoka is considered a competent replacement of his predecessor and former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.
NiMet
Who do we have here?
He is Shemuel J. Moral, NiMet’s Director of Administration and Supplies who assumed duty in July 2014.
An astute administrator with over three decades of experience in civil service at various key federal establishments, S. J. Moral has brought a new energy and enthusiasm to NiMet with his inclusive management style.
A brilliant, warm and hardworking person, Moral understands how to harness and channel the skills and abilities of various levels of personnel into a common goal, which is to make NiMet better than he found it.
Speaking in his office recently, Moral emphasized the need for excellence, hard work, discipline among staff of the Agency and the need to restore, in the Agency, the Civil Service code of ethics. In his words:“There is a lot we can do in NiMet, from record keeping to management of not only material but human resources. I want to tell you that global best practices require that every department of an organization functions as it should”
There you have it! Shemuel Moral, is adept in squash and has a sense of humour that puts others at ease to relatate with him. He takes over from Garuba Adamu who recently retired after many years of meritorious service.
Senate Endorses NIMet`s Commercialization Initiative
The Senate Committee on Aviation paid an oversight visit to NiMet recently, at the Agency`s Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.
The purpose of the visit was to ascertain the level of development that has taken place in the organization with regards to the federal government`s Transformation Agenda in Nigeria`s aviation sector.
While welcoming the Senate delegation which was led by the Chairman of the Committee, Hope Uzodinma, the Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, enumerated various steps taken by NiMet to upgrade its products and services to serve Nigeria and Nigerians better.
Some of these include: procurement and installation of two Doppler weather radars in Abuja and Port Harcourt, with a view to installing that of Yola and Maiduguri airports when the security situation in that region improves.
The Agency also installed nine Wind Shear alert systems and Instrument calibration centre in pursuit of its consolidation, realignment and commercialization objectives.
Further steps taken to drive these objectives include: a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed only recently, with UK Meteorological officeto provide complimentary marine meteorological services.The Agency is also on the verge of signing an MoU with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production company (SNEPCO) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
These strategic partnership initiativeswould create additional market opportunities for NiMet`s products and services and inevitably attract more revenueas contemplated by the federal government`s agenda for the transformation of the aviation sector in Nigeria.
Responding to the presentation made by the DG/CEO of NiMet, Senator Uzodinma commended the agency for its efforts and encouraged management of NiMet to keep up the good work: “Our visit to NiMet gives us the opportunity to look at the real activities of the agency. The equipment we have seenis an indication of high level of technical manpower. I am assured that we are not lagging behind and we trust that NiMet will give us what we expect. I am also aware that international airlines are using NiMet's data for other records. So it is something good for Nigeria”.
A 3-Day Workshop for NiMet Staff
In a bid to enhance its manpower development for better service delivery, the Management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency has organized a 3-day workshop on Corporate Responsibilities for Secretaries, Personnel/Administrative Officers and Account Assistants. The course was anchored by GODALL NIGERIA LIMITED, a Manpower Development & Training Consultants at NiMet corporate headquarters in Abuja.
The programme was specifically designed to equip staff with appropriate modern skills and attitudes necessary for performance enhancement as the agency undergoes a process of rebranding.
Various speakers addressed participants on issues of organizational culture and interpersonal communication within the work environment. At the end of the 3-day course, each participant obviously came out with a new energy, confidence and enthusiasm to think and act out of the box.
Another Tour of NiMet Facilities by Students
Every year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency plays host to students from Primary and Secondary schools across the country, who come on excursion to the Agency`s facilities as an essential requirement of their academic calendar.
The most recent groups on this exciting voyage of educational discovery, led by their science teachers are: students of Redeemer Teap International School and Holy Child Private School, from the Federal Capital Territory.
The students had the opportunity to see for themselves and to get firsthand information on meteorological equipment, how they are used and what they are used for. They were quite happy to see and touch the Barograph, which is a self-recording instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure; also, the Dry Bulb Thermometer, used to measure air temperature and then the easily recognizable Rain Gauge for measuring the amount of rainfall.
They were received and led on the tour of NiMet facilities by meteorologists: Peter Aribo, Aisha Dikko and Glory Onyegbule, who took turns to apprise the visibly enthusiastic students of scientific based information for future career decision making.
NiMet Inaugurates Procurement Planning Committee
In keeping with the requirement of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and in compliance with Chapter 4, of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Procurement Manual, the Director-General /CEO of NiMet Anthony Anuforom, has inaugurated the Procurement Planning committee(PPC) for 2014 Procurement exercise for the Agency.
The composition of the committee which is headed by the DG himself include: Mr. I. D. Nnodu, Mrs. O.A. Owolabi, Mrs. Juliana Ukeje, Mr. R.G. Jigah, and Engr. C. E. Umunnakwe as members.
In his inaugural address, the DG requested members to ensure early planning and execution of 2014 budget. He also advised all Directorates, especially user Departments to review their 2014 projects' conceptualization, operational processes/systems and their expected outcome to ensure that their respective BEME were not only comprehensive but also operationally valid, adding that on-going projects should be given priority and completed before new ones were embarked on.
NiMet to Set Up Dedicated Weather FM Station
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has initiated plans to build weather FM radio stations in each of Nigeria's six geo-political zones.
The FM radio stations, which would be built with funds from the agency's internally generated revenue (IGR), will disseminate climatic and weather information through broadcasts targeted at stakeholders within the various geo-political zones.
The broadcasts will give early warning signals of potential disasters occasioned by adverse weather and climatic conditions. This would be of enormous value to the public, especially the vulnerable communities living around the flash points of flooding, erosion or desertification.
This project is expected to generate money for NiMetthrough the sale of commercial advertising slots and sponsorship programmes just like any other commercial radio stations. Through this medium, the agency would also be fulfilling its mandate of providing weather, climate and water information for sustenance of life and property.
NiMet And The Financial Repositioning Of Nigeria`s Aviation Sector
Recently, some members of the National Assembly, stakeholders and experts consisting of airline chiefs, top managers of aviation parastatals, aviation ground handlers, pilots and engineers in the Nigeria aviation industry came together to chart a new course for the sector and rightly so.
First off, they reviewed the latest statistics obtained by one of Nigeria's Daily newspaper “The Guardian” from the Oxford Economics which rates Nigeria`s aviation sector as contributing only 0.4 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product. This is a relatively low rating when compared to Spain's 5.2, United Kingdom`s 5, United Arab Emirate 3.5, Canada 6 and Germany's 2.6 percent, respectively.
The Aviation Ministry and its agencies are addressing the challenges in the Nigeria aviation sector. Each organization is reinventing itself and transforming its operations with a view to generating more revenue to the industry and to Nigeria.
Whereas the services of other aviation organizations are focused on aviation, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency services all sectors of the economy and indeed all aspects of human activity.
With NiMet’s gradual foray into the potentials in the Marine sector,as well as a functional instrument calibration laboratory, the first in West Africa, the economic
fortunes of the agency and that of aviation in Nigeria is sure to improve significantly sooner than later.
The calibration laboratory would afford other African countries that do not have this facility, the opportunity to access it at NiMet,while the agency in turn charges fees for its usage.
Furthermore, the Agency intends to continue using its Annual Seasonal Rainfall Prediction as an economic rallying point for stakeholders, clients and the public, with a view to generating revenue through sponsorships and advertisements.
It must be stated that the 0.4 percent contribution to national GDP by the Nigeria aviation sector is an embarrassing statistics, compared to the rest of the world. But with the flurry of transformational activities at NiMet and other organizations in the aviation sector, better results in the short term would inevitably be recorded.
NiMet signs MOU with Jigawa State Government
In line with its commercialization, re-alignment and consolidation initiative, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jigawa state government.
The MoU which was signed by Mr. Basir Aminu Suleiman, Executive Chairman, Dutse Capital Development Authority, on behalf of the Jigawa State Governor, Mr. Sule Lamido, will, inter-alia, empower NiMet to provide standard meteorological services at the Jigawa airport in consonance with international best practices.
According to the Governor, NiMet’s relevance in the scheme of operations as far as Aviation is concerned in Nigeria, cannot be over emphasized. This is why the state is encouraged to engage the services of the Agency at the airport, soon to become operational.
Part of the requirements for the establishment of an airport, is the presence of a weather station domiciled within the airport, as well as a 100% clearance and due diligence by the meteorological body in the country where that airport is situated.
The MoU also covers the area of license, which is issued after all the manpower and equipments are adjudged to be efficient and effective. Thereafter, a meteorological operational license is issued, in conformity with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
OTHER AVIATION ORGANISATIONS
NCAA to Airline Operators: ``Train Pilots and Aircraft Engineers``
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged domestic airline operators to invest in the training of pilots, engineers and other aviation industry professionals. This charge comes at an auspicious time when the National Assembly plans to introduce a bill which is aimed at promoting an increase in local content in the nation's aviation industry.
The bill when passed, will limit the number of foreign pilots and engineers any airline can engage so as to create opportunities for the recruitment of indigenous manpower.
While acknowledging the high safety standards of Nigerian`s aviation industry, the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Mr. Benedict Ademuyileka, also advocated for the hiring of greenhorns as trainee pilots so that they can get on-the-job experience and improve upon their flying hours rating.
He explained that pilots trained at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and foreign training institutions, graduate with only 25 flying hours, whereas some airlines demand a minimum of 250 to 500 hours from freshly qualified pilots.
Mr. Ademuyileka also revealed that a meeting between NCAA and domestic airline operators is under way to work out modalities for the recruitment of fresh pilots to reduce the phenomenon of pilot unemployment in Nigeria.The NCAA, which is the aviation service regulator in Nigeria, considers this as the true pathway for the sustainable development of indigenous human capacity in the sector.
NAMA Installs Solar Powered Lights at Lagos Airport Runway
Runway 18L, a solar powered light, has been installed at the Murtala Mohammed International airport, Lagos by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA).
The installation project is in consonance with the safety standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is aimed at guaranteeing uninterrupted light at the runway as well as reducing the cost of maintenance as NAMA seeks to extend this innovation to other airports across the country.
This is part of the N290 million contract, awarded to Stormberg Power Limited by the management of NAMA for the procurement, implementation and commissioning of hybrid power back up solutions in six airports in Nigeria.
A New Helicopter for NCAT
In fulfillment of its corporate social responsibility, Bristow Helicopters has donated a helicopter to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, for the training of students in the college.
While making the presentation to officials of the college, Mr. Olufemi Collins, General Manager, Human Resources, Bristow Helicopters, noted that Bristow has been partnering with NCAT for many years in the area of human capacity development.
He added that there exists a memorandum of understanding in that regard between the two organizations and reaffirmed the commitment of Bristow to keep its own part of the agreement.In this regard, Bristow would train four instructors who will maintain the equipment, at Bristow's academy abroad.
Speaking further, Mr. Collins revealed that the company spends a minimum four million naira on each of the twenty trainees it sponsors to NCAT annually and assured that the company will continue to do more to improve the quality of manpower in the aviation industry in Nigeria.
Responding, the Rector and Chief Executive of NCAT, Mr. Samuel Caulcrick, commended Bristow Helicopters for the donation and urged other airline operators in the sector to emulate Bristow Helicopters as a sure way of improving manpower development in the industry. He noted with pride that the school has contributed enormously to the growth of aviation in the country, having graduated mostof the personnel at top management positions in the aviation industry in Nigeria today.
sAHCOL Wins Emirates Airlines Contract
With the growing influx of aviation handling companies around the nation's airports, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, seemsto be swimming in the `Blue Ocean` as it has just been picked as the preferred ground handler for the Emirates Airlines for Abuja operations.
SAHCOL would therefore be providing total ground handling services to Emirates Airlines' daily flight operations from Abuja to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). An ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) certified ground handling company, SAHCOL is a 100 percent subsidiary of the Sifax Group, which has continued to expand and gain recognitionfrom domestic and international airlines operating within Nigeria since the company became privatized in December, 2009.