After a comprehensive and stringent quality management audit, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has successfully obtained recertification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for two significant standards. These certifications include ISO 9001:2015, emphasizing the provision of aeronautical meteorological services, and ISO 29990:2010, focusing on capacity building. The former certification pertains to NiMet’s operations at the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos, while the latter relates to the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST) in Katsina.
The Director General and CEO of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, announced this achievement earlier today from his office. Prof. Matazu highlighted, “As far back as 2013, we embarked on the journey to achieve these certifications. We have continuously maintained the ISO 9001:2015 certification for our aeronautical meteorological services at the six major international airports in Nigeria. Moreover, we have now successfully secured the recertification and plan to extend this standard to an additional 10 airports across the nation.”
Regarding the recertification for capacity training, Prof. Matazu explained, “We are also pleased to announce the recertification of ISO 29990:2010 for our training initiatives. It is important to note that NiMet operates two training institutes, comparable to polytechnics, which are instrumental in shaping the field of meteorology. The first is the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos, recognized as an accredited training center by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The second is the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST) in Katsina, accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and offering diploma programs. This ISO 29990:2010 certification encompasses training in various meteorological aspects, including applied meteorology and climate change.”
A noteworthy distinction is that NiMet stands as the inaugural meteorological service on the African continent to achieve this esteemed certification. Presently, NiMet is also involved as an auditor for other African countries, such as Malawi and Gambia. It’s worth highlighting those entities like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development have sought NiMet’s guidance to attain this certification.
Prof. Matazu elucidated the significance of this recertification: “This achievement essentially functions as an internationally recognized seal of approval for the quality of our services. It guarantees precision and efficiency across NiMet’s products and offerings.” He also revealed NiMet’s ongoing efforts in aligning its operations with quality management systems and transitioning to Safety Management Systems (SMS) throughout its operations in Nigeria. Prof. Matazu assured that NiMet is committed to further progress and stands prepared to extend assistance to other government agencies in navigating this certification process.
