The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ekiti State Government to provide critical aeronautical meteorological services at the newly established Ekiti International Cargo Airport.
The MoU, signed on November 6, 2024, marks the beginning of a two-year collaboration aimed at enhancing aviation safety and promoting economic growth in the region.
Aeronautical meteorological services are essential for flight safety, offering real-time weather data that helps pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation authorities make informed decisions. The information provided includes wind speed, visibility, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and cloud cover, all of which are crucial for ensuring smooth and safe flights.
Under the agreement, NiMet and Ekiti State will deploy state-of-the-art equipment in compliance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This partnership will contribute to the efficient operation of the airport while adhering to global safety standards.
NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, emphasising the importance of meteorological data in the growth of aviation. “We thank His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his leadership in recognising the significance of meteorological data in aviation development. This MoU signals a strong partnership and a new beginning for NiMet and Ekiti State,” he stated.
Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, also expressed her appreciation for the partnership, assuring NiMet of Ekiti’s full commitment to the MoU. “We are committed to ensuring that the Ekiti International Cargo Airport operates in accordance with international standards,” she said.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Barr. Shola Gabriel, Director of Legal Services at NiMet, and Mr. Tunde Balogun, Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment, both of whom witnessed the historic agreement.
Ekiti State’s Agro-Allied International Airport, located in Ado-Ekiti, officially opened after the first aircraft landed at the facility on October 15, 2022. It is poised to stimulate the region’s economy by facilitating the export of agricultural products, supporting key institutions in education and health, and boosting tourism. With plans to develop a cargo facility, the airport aims to position itself as a crucial hub for trade and investment in Ekiti.
The partnership between NiMet and Ekiti State sets a solid foundation for the airport’s continued success, ensuring it meets international aviation standards while contributing to the state’s economic and developmental goals.
Melissa Enoch
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