Keyamo Stresses Meteorological Data's Role in Aviation Safety

At the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos from October 13 to 15, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo underscored the critical role of accurate meteorological data in air travel. He noted that weather contributes to 11 to 23 percent of global air mishaps, referencing tragic incidents in Nigeria, such as the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash on December 10, 2005, and the ADC Airlines Flight 053 crash on October 29, 2006.

Both accidents involved severe weather conditions and pilot decisions to proceed despite warnings. Keyamo emphasized that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) is vital for safe flight operations and other sectors, including agriculture and maritime.

He announced that the federal government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, views weather services as strategic national assets and has implemented an upgraded welfare package for NIMET staff to enhance service delivery.