By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has successfully implemented a centralized Secure Aviation Data Information Service (SADIS) API platform, positioning Nigeria as a pioneer in modern aviation weather technology in Africa. This milestone upgrade enhances flight safety, strengthens operational efficiency, and future-proofs the country’s aviation meteorological services in line with international standards.
The SADIS API, operated by the UK Met Office under the remit of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provides programmatic access to World Area Forecast System (WAFS) data sets and other critical meteorological information. It replaces the legacy SADIS FTP system with a modern, System-Wide Information Management (SWIM)-compliant platform capable of delivering higher-resolution data in real-time.
With this transition, Nigerian aviation stakeholders now have more secure, instant access to essential forecasts, charts, and observations supporting safe, reliable, and cost-effective flight operations nationwide.
Commending the ICT team and participants for their dedication, Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General/CEO of NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO, stated:
“This innovation demonstrates NiMet’s leadership in embracing modern technologies that strengthen aviation safety and efficiency while ensuring compliance with ICAO and WMO standards. The SADIS platform is a critical step in modernizing Nigeria’s aviation weather services.”
NiMet’s SADIS deployment provides key aviation datasets, including WAFS Gridded Data (icing, turbulence, cumulonimbus, and tropopause height), WAFS Significant Weather (SIGWX) (jet streams, volcanic ash, and tropical cyclones), and Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data, such as METAR, TAF, and SPECI reports.
With this milestone, Nigeria becomes a pioneer in Africa for integrating modern SADIS technologies into national aviation operations. Pilots, forecasters, and aviation operators will now benefit from faster, more reliable access to critical weather data, ensuring safer, more cost-effective, and more competitive flight operations nationwide.
