The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a formal investigation into Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), over allegations of contract fraud and mismanagement of internally generated revenue (IGR).
This development was disclosed in a memo obtained by SaharaReporters, which revealed that the anti-graft agency had requested comprehensive documentation from NiMet, including a list of contracts awarded since 2023, registered contractors, procurement records, agency account details, and any other relevant information to assist with the investigation. The EFCC's letter, dated March 28, 2025, and signed by its Director of Investigation, C.E. Abdulkarim Chukkol, marked the agency's first official move in probing NiMet under Anosike’s leadership.
The revelation sparked a two-day industrial action by NiMet staff, who protested what they described as persistent infractions in contract awards and a lack of transparency in revenue management. The strike brought several critical services to a halt, including aviation weather reports and seasonal forecasts vital to farmers and other sectors.
Reacting to the situation, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, convened an emergency meeting with both NiMet management and union leaders, urging restraint and calling for full cooperation with the ongoing EFCC investigation.
In response to the allegations, NiMet’s General Manager of Public Relations, Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, issued a statement describing the EFCC’s request as a standard procedure. He clarified that the investigation also covers contract activities dating back to 2021—before Professor Anosike’s appointment in December 2023—and stressed that no current agency official has been invited for questioning or indicted.
“The EFCC has, as part of its standard procedures, asked for documentation on contracts awarded as far back as 2021. We are fully cooperating with the Commission. It is unfortunate that the media has chosen to sensationalize what is a routine request,” Ibrahim stated.
While the agency seeks to calm tensions, the EFCC’s probe into NiMet adds to the growing list of investigations into public institutions as part of Nigeria’s broader effort to strengthen accountability and fight corruption across government parastatals.
