NiMet records new milestone as FG approves reviewed scheme of service

The Federal Government has approved the Reviewed Scheme of Service for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), marking a significant step in the agency’s ongoing reform efforts and strengthening its workforce through an improved career structure and enhanced conditions of service.

The approval was conveyed to the Director-General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, in a letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), signed on behalf of the Director of Organisation Design and Development.

The letter, titled “Re-Approval and Forwarding of the Reviewed Schemes of Service for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet),” and dated July 9, 2026, stated that the approval followed preliminary engagements and an extensive field study conducted by relevant government officials in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the review of Schemes of Service.

According to the letter:

“The review established, among others, the need to align the Agency’s Schemes of Service with current developments in the Federal Public Service, address identified deficiencies in some cadres, strengthen career progression opportunities for staff, and adequately reflect the specialized mandates and operational peculiarities of the Agency as Nigeria’s apex meteorological institution.

“Consequently, the reviewed Schemes of Service have been approved to provide an appropriate career structure for the Agency, incorporating the Junior, Intermediate and Professional/Officer cadre categories in line with extant policies. The approved Schemes also accommodate the Agency’s peculiar professional cadres while ensuring that the adopted service-wide cadres remain consistent with the extant Approved Schemes of Service for the Federal Public Service.

“You are accordingly requested to ensure strict implementation of the approved Schemes of Service in accordance with the provisions contained therein and all extant Public Service Rules, Establishment Circulars, Guidelines and other relevant regulations governing appointments, promotions, career progression, conversion/upgrading and other personnel matters in the Federal Public Service.

“Kindly note in particular that officers in the Junior and Intermediate cadres shall only progress beyond their terminal grades upon acquiring the prescribed Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification from recognized institutions through the approved conversion/upgrading process, subject to extant rules and relevant Circulars.”

The letter added that a copy of the approved Reviewed Scheme of Service was enclosed to guide implementation.

The latest approval follows the Federal Government’s approval in April 2026 of a new unified salary structure and updated Conditions of Service for NiMet staff, which took effect on June 1, marking a formal adjustment to the remuneration framework for the agency’s personnel.

The approvals have further strengthened the resolve of NiMet’s management and reinforced the agency’s institutional capacity as it continues implementing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and service delivery.

As Nigeria’s national meteorological agency, NiMet provides services that support critical sectors of the economy, including agriculture, aviation, maritime transportation, disaster risk management, and environmental planning. The approval of the Reviewed Scheme of Service is expected to strengthen the agency’s human resource framework while supporting Nigeria’s broader climate and weather objectives.

The approvals also underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to enabling NiMet to effectively deliver on its statutory responsibilities, including advising the government on meteorological policies; providing accurate and timely weather and climate forecasts for aviation, maritime operations, agriculture, and disaster management; observing, collecting, and disseminating meteorological and climate data for national and international use; and supporting research to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness for climate-related challenges.