Ex-NiMET’s boss proffers solution to lack of shortage of personnel in aviation agencies.

Abiola Seun

Aviation agencies in the country have been advised to embark on mentorship programmes for the young professionals in the industry to serve as a stop gap for capacity gap in the sector.

A former Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Dr Anthony Anuforom who gave this advice in an interview with journalists in Abuja after receiving an award of recognition from the National Airtraffic Communicators Association for his transformation in Nimet, said the engagement of mentorship and re- engagement of retiring ones will bridge the gap

Anuforom, who was the DG of Nimet for ten years, said exprience and trainings remained the key to ensure professionalism, safety and better agency.

According to Anuforom, a similar situation was also witnessed in NiMet at a time there was embargo on employment but was able to set up a structured and formal mentorship program to serve as a stop gap through mentorship with personnel around by picking between 4 and 5 people with reports submitted to him on their performance.

He expressed the hope that the industry will pick up gradually as all hope was not lost in the aviation industry and urged stakeholders to support the ministry to move the industry forward.

On his assessment of present Nimet performance, Anuforom said he was excited with the performance of the DG Prof Mansur Matazu for implementing very elaborate handing over note he left behind.

Anuforom, expressed the hope that NiMet will be moved to a higher level in the near future should all the recommendations in the handover note be implemented

“I am so happy that today the present DG, Prof Matazu is like following that footsteps. He was part of it and I am happy that NiMet is vibrant and come back to reckoning in terms of active agency that renders critical service”

On his award, Anuforom described it as a big honour and a great surprise for NACA to have recognized him after ten years.