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Buhari Signs Rep. Benjamin Kalu’s NIMET Bill Into Law

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Buhari Signs Rep. Benjamin Kalu’s NIMET Bill Into Law

NIMET Bill

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, signed into law the bill for an act to amend the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET Act to grant the Nigeria Meteorological Agency sole authority to grant approvals and licenses for the establishment of meteorological stations and other related matters sponsored by Hon. Benjamin Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency, ABN TV reports.

The NIMET bill was listed among the eight bills signed into law by President Buhari, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters (House of Representatives), Hon. Nasiru Baballe lla said in a statement.

 

 

 

The bill which was first read on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 seeks to repeal the Nigerian Metrological Agency (Establishment, etc.) Act, No. 9 of 2003, enacts the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Establishment) Act, to provide for a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the regulation of meteorology in Nigeria.

It further advises the Federal Government on all aspects of meteorology; project, prepare and interpret government policies in the field of meteorology; and issue weather forecasts for the safe operation of air-crafts, ocean-going vessels, and oil rigs in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his lead debate, the member stated that following the massive land mass of the Country, 54 meteorological observation stations nationwide is a far cry from the required 9000 observation stations also stating the difficulty for the government to fund the establishment of the stations. According to the debate:

“Section 7(1)(q) of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency Act provides for the agency to be the sole authority that approves and establishes meteorological centers in Nigeria. This inadvertently makes it unlawful for any other person to establish a meteorological station anywhere in Nigeria irrespective of its purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This means that all the universities, polytechnics, colleges, secondary schools, and even private sectors that own and run meteorological observation do so contrary to the laws of the land.

“You will acknowledge the fact that 54 meteorological observation stations nationwide are a far cry from the required 9000 observation stations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is also worrisome that we are far below the expectation and recommendation of the World Meteorological Organization, we must realize how difficult it is for government to directly fund through the agency, the establishment of as many as 9000 meteorological stations. The way to go therefore is to open up the sector by identifying the existing stations that are not part of the network run by the agency, approve and license them and as well enter into collaboration with them, upgrade them, and provide them with the necessary support. At the moment there are about 40 universities, 36 polytechnics and 32 colleges of education, and thousands of secondary schools that have meteorological stations. Licensing and regulating the existing meteorological stations as well as other intending stations will be a quick way of improving upon the density of meteorological stations across the federation.”

With this Act becoming law, the Agency is empowered by this Act as the sole authority to approve, license, certify and regulate the establishment of meteorological stations for meteorological observations, the operators and operating personnel at a fee to be prescribed by the Agency and where necessary, make regulation in this regard, save for aeronautical meteorological services.

 

 

 

 

 

Historically, this would be one of the rare moments that a bill sponsored by a first-time member of the House of Representatives becomes law.

Rep. Benjamin Kalu who was ecstatic with this development while speaking with ABN TV Correspondent from Sydney New South Wales Australia, expressed delight in seeing that his efforts on this bill have come to fruition. The lawmaker recalled that this was the second bill that he sponsored on the floor of the House upon resumption into office as a result of the change in weather conditions as a result of global warming in society and the need to observe the weather conditions more accurately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rep. Kalu thanked the President for his commitment to the security and welfare of the citizens by signing this Act into Law, adding that with this law, there will be an increase in the density of meteorological observation stations across the federation to meet the standards set by the World Meteorological Organization among other things.

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APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition

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*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*

 

The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.

The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.

“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.

According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.

It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.

“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.

The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.

“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.

The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.

The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.

“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.

The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.

“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.

In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.

The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.

“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.

The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.

“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase

 

Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.

Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.

Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.

From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.

This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework

#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC

 

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.

 

Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.

 

Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.

 

He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.

 

The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.

 

He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.

 

Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.

 

His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.

 

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