The Nigerian Meteorological (NiMet) Agency said it plans to establish a community-based early warning system for flood to enhance the mitigation of climate change challenges and promote coordination and partnership with stakeholders in the grassroots.
This was revealed by the agency’s director-general, Prof. Mansur Matazu, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on advisory data sharing information, between NiMet and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja.
Matazu explained that one factor that aids in the mitigation of climate change disasters is early warning. Recognising this fact, he said, the United Nations has issued a policy statement that, in the next five years, all citizens should have access to early warning [systems].
He said the agency has long keyed into this initiative via its early warning publications and other products.
The country director, IRC, Mr. Babatunde Ojei applauded NiMet’s provision of prompt and accurate weather and climate information. He explained that the partnership would further strengthen and develop links with local organisations, increase the adaptation of NiMet data, as well as providing farmers with the resources to effectively utilise the resultant data.
He revealed that IRC is a non-governmental organisation committed to providing services to enhance survival and rebuilding the lives of people affected by conflict and disasters, including those imposed by climate change.
