IMPACT OF METEOROLOGICAL TRAINING ON PILOT PERFORMANCE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

This study assessed the impact of meteorological training on pilot performance in Northern Nigeria's aviation sector, examining weather-related factors contributing to accidents from 2000-2025. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the research integrated documentary analysis of 38 Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) incidents, a structured questionnaire completed by 99 active pilots operating at four major northern airports (Maiduguri, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto), and semi-structured interviews with captains and regulators. Findings revealed that weather factors were involved in 76.3% of incidents, with Harmattan dust haze identified as the dominant hazard (42.1% of cases, perceived frequency mean = 4.79/5). Pilot error remained the primary cause (mean importance = 4.68/5) but was significantly amplified by adverse weather. Current meteorological training was rated inadequate across all dimensions (means 2.18-2.71/5), particularly lacking region-specific Harmattan and wind shear content. Pilots strongly endorsed targeted interventions, with near-universal support for mandatory annual simulator training (4.91/5) and a dedicated recurrent course (4.85/5). The study concludes that generic meteorological training fails to equip pilots for Northern Nigeria's unique Sahelian hazards, contributing to persistently elevated accident rates. Recommendations include mandatory region-specific simulator modules, enhanced NiMet data integration, and strengthened NCAA oversight. These evidence-based reforms could substantially mitigate weather-related risks, aligning Northern Nigeria's aviation safety with international standards.