The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has restated its commitment to providing timely and accurate meteorological services (weather, climate and hydrological data and information) for socio-economic development and the safety of lives and property in Nigeria.
The director-general of NiMet and permanent representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Prof. Mansur Matazu made this assertion during the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s National Aviation Conference (FNAC) themed “Advancing the frontier of possibilities for safe, secure and profitable air transport”.
He observed that meteorological observation is over 130 years in Nigeria while NiMet was established in the year 2003 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Our vision is to be a world-class provider of weather and climate service for safety and sustainable national socio-economic development and our mission is to observe Nigeria’s weather and provide meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic service in support of national needs and international obligations.
“We have strived to improve on the expansion of the network using innovation and exploring modern technology. We moved from not just generating forecasts to providing forecasts with implementation.
“In aviation weather and climate, information provides a safe way of executing activities to minimise risks, save lives and avert losses. NiMet is committed to providing accurate, timely and quality aeronautical meteorological (AeroMet) products and services to enhance the safety of air navigation, aimed at meeting customers’ satisfaction through continual improvement of its products and services in line with WMO and ICAO standards and recommended practice.
“Nigeria has a tropical climate with variable rainy and dry seasons and there is wide climate variation in different regions of the country.
“We advise the government on all aspects of meteorology; protect, prepare and interpret government policy in meteorology; issue weather forecasts for the safe operations of aircraft, ocean various vessels and oil and gas; regulate standards and the performance of meteorological services across the nation,” he explained.
He added that NiMet’s network will work round the clock to provide continuous weather information, early warning and detection mechanisms – which have proven to be the only dependable solution to the hazards posed by weather and climate.
