By Aondowase Agabi
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said following the rapid climate change patterns, it’s is leveraging both past and present weather data to predict future weather patterns and the possible impact on the economy.
The Director General NiMet Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu stated this on Thursday in Abuja on the occasion of the World Meteorological Day (WMD) 2023.
The theme for 2023 is “The future of weather, climate and water across generations”.
The NiMet DG/CEO was represented by Prof. Effiom Oku, the Director, Research &Training NiMet.
He noted that over the years, with support from the Federal Government of Nigeria, NiMet has been investing in meteorological data generation over land, water and in the atmosphere.
He said that the “data generated are so critical for past assessments and future predictions including nowcasting.*
Speaking further he said NiMet is “also working to preserve our past resources in terms of publications and instrumentation while developing new ones, thereby providing a robust knowledge base for the upcoming generations.”
He also said NiMet offers “Hydrometeorological Bulletin, Annual State of the Climate report in Nigeria, Agrometeorological Bulletin, Climate and Health Bulletin, Daily weather outlooks and bulletins, TV weather forecasts, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts, Marine Bulletin, Impact-Based Weather Forecast, and multitudes of other routine and on-demand products and services cutting across all socio-economic sectors.”
He also said NiMet is investing in future generations through its Young Meteorological Ambassadors programme.
“I therefore encourage us as institutions and individuals to invest in our future generations, creating awareness on the dangers of climate change such as extreme weather and loss of livelihoods; and providing opportunities for them to proffer solutions thereby making the World a safer place for all” he said..
He noted that NiMet, has placed special importance in the future generations by working with the young minds in the country.
Usually, our weather observers are largely youths who begin their careers in the field of meteorology at a very young age.
“Similarly, we have designed, developed and implemented a programme called Young Meteorological Ambassadors whose members are here today. Young Met. Ambassadors, the Agency does not neglect the University community. We have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several universities in Nigeria to promote the science of meteorology within the academic institutions at tertiary level” he explained further.
In his remarks, the representative of the WMO Representative for North, Central and West Africa, Dr Roland Abah represented Dr. Bernard Gomez..(WMO rep. North Central & West Africa) said in 2022, Nigeria lost over 600 lives due to unprecedented flooding.
He said the rate of change is accelerating. and we need urgent action now to slash emissions and to ensure that future generations can both survive and thrive on our planet.
“The good news is that rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the
accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Therefore, no one should be left
behind, regarding access to weather and climate information” he said.
He noted that it is on this basis that the UN Secretary General tasked the WMO to develop an Early Warning for All plan through which UN Agencies and partners can work with members to provide everyone on the globe with early warnings.
According to him NiMet has done well in developing business ventures with partners but the type of partnership partners to commit resources for humanitarian to succeed.
