NiMet clears air on EFCC request, says DG Anosike not under probe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has debunked reports circulating in the media alleging that its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a multibillion-naira contract scandal.

According to a statement from the agency’s General Manager, Public Relations, Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the EFCC made a routine request for documents relating to contracts awarded as far back as 2021—long before Professor Anosike assumed leadership in December 2023.

The agency explained that such requests are a standard part of the EFCC’s investigative process and do not indicate any wrongdoing by current management.

NiMet emphasized that no member of its present leadership has been invited, questioned, or indicted in relation to the matter.

The agency is fully cooperating with the EFCC by providing the necessary documentation.

The management expressed concern about what it described as sensational and misleading reporting, which inaccurately portrayed the document request as a corruption probe involving Professor Anosike.

This, the agency noted, follows a pattern of misinformation, including a previously debunked report claiming that internal staff unions had petitioned for the DG’s removal—an incident that never occurred.

NiMet suggested the latest media reports could be part of a wider campaign to discredit its leadership.

However, the agency remains focused on transparency, good governance, and accountability. It reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate information to the public and stakeholders in both the aviation and climate sectors.

The agency urged media outlets to exercise greater responsibility in their reporting and called on the public to disregard unverified claims.

It maintained that the EFCC’s document request should not be misrepresented as an investigation into the current administration.