Gombe State Government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet have agreed to strengthen partnership in order to guarantee safe flight services at the Gombe International Airport.
This is coming against the backdrop of a threat by NiMet to withdraw its services from the Gombe airport due to non payment of accumulated service fees to the agency since the last administration as well as non compliance with certain terms as provided for in the memorandum of understanding ( MoU).
NiMet is the Government agency that provides weather forecasts and reports for safe operation of flights, including terminal aerodome, enroute and destination weather forecasts and trends as well as briefing of pilots and airmen on expected weather at various points.
In a swift move to avert the withdrawal of NiMet's services from the Gombe Airport, the Governor,
The Governor disclosed that already, he had approved the release of 100 million Naira as part of efforts to ensure standard and safe flight services at the Gombe Airport.
He said he is aware of the importance of the airport to both domestic and international aviation services, not only to the people of Gombe state but the North east in general, hence he is determined to collaborate with NiMet and other relevant authorities to ensure smooth and safe flight operations in the state.
He appealed to NiMet to withdraw its altimatum and allow his administration to study the MoU with a view to taking the necessary steps to address all the issues raised, assuring that despite the heavy debt overhang he inherited from the previous administration, he is willing to honour and comply with contractual obligations and agreements entered into.
Earlier in his remarks, Professor Abubakar Mashi informed the Governor that his agency had written several letters to the previous Government regarding their claims of backlog of payments and reminders on the unsigned MoU without any positive response. He therefore appealed to Governor Inuwa Yahaya to intervene and address the matter in order to prevent NiMet from withdrawing their services which has the consequences of leading to the shutting down of air operations in Gombe.
Rising from the meeting, Professor Mashi expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions as well as the Governor's commitment and resolve. He therefore said NiMet is withdrawing the ultimatum as requested by the Governor and is agreeing to collaborate more with Gombe state in enhancing their operations in the state.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)
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