Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NiMet
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe has said the recent Stakeholder Engagement Forum organised by the agency and held in Lagos has helped achieved its aimed of strengthening connections with its diverse audience.
She noted that the initiative reflects NiMet new era of engagements and the agency’s growing commitment to improving communication and service delivery across Nigeria’s weather and climate sectors.
The Director, who was instrumental in initiating the forum has been in the forefront championing the case for NiMet’s public image and visibility both locally and internationally.
The Stakeholder Engagement Forum, a first-of-its-kind initiative in NiMet has the theme: “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action.”
Mrs. Adebayo-Arowojobe said “The forum was an avenue to project NiMet, showcase our products, and intimately connect with stakeholders and the public informing them about our strategic plans, progress and even challenges.”
“It emerges against the backdrop of nearly two years under the direction of DG/CEO Professor Charles Anosike, who has driven reforms that include the upgrade of forecasting equipment and the improvement of staff welfare.”
Highlighting the forum’s core objective, the Public Affairs Director said “We want to open communication channels with stakeholders, understand how we are perceived, as well as learn precisely what problems they want us to solve.”
The engagement, she said was essential to improving client satisfactions and managing expectations which is one of the core functions of the Public Affairs and Consumer Protection directorate.
The forum’s agenda spotlighted several priorities, enhancing service delivery by listening closely to stakeholders needs, reinforcing NiMet’s value proposition to sustain patronage, and create shared successes.
“We hope this reform will build trust and foster inclusion through clear, concise, and transparent communication” she added.
“While NiMet has garnered strength in aviation, agriculture, environmental management, and hydrological sectors, there is an ambition to broaden our impact in the marine, oil and gas, health, construction and other industries.” Funke told journalists.
“Stakeholders Engagements and Collaboration is one of the Key success factors of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Developments Strategic Plan 2024-2028.
This factor hopes to increase partnerships and participation for the optimum utilization of resources in achieving goals.”
“We are grateful for the unwavering support constantly received from the Minister Festus Keyamo SAN, a valiant and astute leader, and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to fulfill these objectives.”
Looking beyond immediate reforms, Mrs. Adebayo-Arowojobe envisions a comprehensive mapping of stakeholders by geography, economic sector, gender, community, service, etc., to better understand and serve them, while welcoming frank feedback as a catalyst to break down barriers and silos that could hinder collaboration and growth.
According to her, the outcomes will be communicated widely through radio, TV, social media, governmental channels, and in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility and continuous engagement.
“Our aim is to remain responsive and build lasting partnerships with all Nigerians, more especially those in need of our products and services” she affirms.
Whilst she emphasizes the diverse makeup of NiMet’s stakeholders to include the federal and state governments, policymakers, the aviation, agriculture, education, and private sectors as well the general public that underline the importance of tailored dialogue.
Mrs. Adebayo-Arowojobe further urges the general public to reach out to the agency through the consumerprotection@nimetagency.org.ng.
NiMet, is charged with collecting, analyzing, and disseminating weather and climate data and provides critical forecasts and climate services across multiple sectors.
It advises on government policies and conducting research that supports Nigeria’s socioeconomic development while protecting lives and property.
