The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) hosted crucial stakeholders meeting in Abuja to discuss the anticipated socio-economic impact of the 2024 seasonal climate prediction (SCP), reinforcing its commitment to climate-proofing the nation’s economy. The public presentation of the SCP is scheduled for February 20, 2024, as approved by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Diverse stakeholders from sectors such as aviation, agriculture, oil and gas, construction, marine, insurance, financial services, tourism, and academia attended the meeting, lauding NiMet for its indispensable role in Nigeria’s economic development through the release of SCP over the years.
Highlighting the significance of the SCP, the director-general of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike emphasised the agency’s dedication to climate-proofing the economy by providing timely weather and climate information. He underscored the evolution of the SCP in scope, incorporating the concept of co-production supported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This collaborative approach involves critical stakeholders in the production process to enhance the accuracy, relevance, and ownership of weather and climate information.
Anosike expressed optimism about enriching the draft 2024 SCP during the stakeholders’ meeting, drawing on collective knowledge and expertise to create a scientifically sound, relevant, and actionable document. He envisioned a collaborative effort contributing to Nigeria’s climate-resilient socioeconomic development.
The director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, acknowledged the widespread impact of weather and climate on all economic sectors, emphasising the financial risks posed to governments, individuals, and organisations. He commended NiMet for its role in enhancing aviation safety through SCP, noting its usefulness in issuing advisories to pilots and operators. This has significantly contributed to reducing incidents/accidents associated with adverse weather conditions in Nigeria.
Najomo urged NiMet to provide data showcasing the accuracy of the SCP, particularly in terms of phenomena like wind shear recorded at airports due to thunderstorm activities. He called for increased enlightenment on NiMet’s efforts to ensure the competency of Aerodrome Met Office personnel and the provision of appropriate equipment for detecting and predicting events accurately.
Representing the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Nigeria, Dr. Bernard Gomez commended NiMet for consistently issuing SCP for the past decade. He highlighted WMO’s protocol, encouraging users of climate and weather information to participate in its co-production. Gomez emphasised the importance of the stakeholders’ forum as a feedback mechanism to ensure the SCP meets everyone’s expectations.
In closing, the director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Engr. Clement Nze, represented by the acting director of Hydrogeoinformatics, Bashir Suleiman commended NiMet for facilitating the timely stakeholders meeting. He expressed NIHSA’s pleasure in contributing to flood predictions, aligning with NiMet’s mandate.
The stakeholders meeting serves as a pivotal step in NiMet’s commitment to delivering accurate, actionable and collaborative climate predictions, supporting Nigeria’s socioeconomic resilience and development.
