Director General/CEO of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike and his management, have launched a centralised Secure Aviation Data Information Service (SADIS) Application Programming Interface (API) platform aimed at boosting Aviation safety efficiency in Nigeria

The development marks a major milestone in the modernisation of the country’s aviation weather services with Nigeria becoming a trailblazer in Africa. The country therefore has assumed a leading role in deploying advanced meteorological technologies that enhance flight safety and operational efficiency.

The SADIS API, operated by the United Kingdom Met Office under the supervision of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), grants programmatic access to the World Area Forecast System (WAFS) datasets alongside other vital meteorological information.

The new system replaces the outdated SADIS File Transfer Protocol (FTP), ushering in a modern, System-Wide Information Management (SWIM)-compliant platform capable of delivering high-resolution weather data in real time.

By adopting the SADIS API, aviation stakeholders in Nigeria will now benefit from secure and instant access to key forecasts, weather charts, and observational data. This will significantly improve safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of flight operations across the country.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, who also serves as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), commended the agency’s ICT team for their commitment in ensuring a successful deployment.

“This innovation demonstrates NiMet’s leadership in embracing modern technologies that strengthen aviation safety and efficiency while ensuring compliance with ICAO and WMO standards,” Anosike said. “The SADIS platform is a critical step in modernising Nigeria’s aviation weather services.”

The centralised platform offers aviation stakeholders access to comprehensive datasets, including:

WAFS Gridded Data – covering icing, turbulence, cumulonimbus, and tropopause height.

WAFS Significant Weather (SIGWX) – providing data on jet streams, volcanic ash, and tropical cyclones.

Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data – including METAR, TAF, and SPECI reports.

With this integration, pilots, forecasters, and operators will be better equipped with timely, reliable, and more detailed meteorological information.

This advancement is expected to improve decision-making processes, minimise weather-related disruptions, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

NiMet’s deployment of the SADIS API positions Nigeria as one of the first countries in Africa to fully adopt modernised aviation weather technology in line with ICAO’s global strategy.

The initiative further strengthens the country’s preparedness for future aviation demands while aligning with international safety and efficiency standards.