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Tag: NIMET

  • NiMet poised for improved service delivery, says DG

    NiMet poised for improved service delivery, says DG

    The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has said the new management is focused on repositioning the agency for improved service delivery.

    Anosike spoke yesterday at the opening a three-day NiMet management retreat in Abuja.

    The NiMET boss said the agency would strengthen collaborative relationships among workers and dismantle obstacles stifling productivity.

    “The overriding objective of the 2024 NiMet management retreat is to strengthen collaborative relationships amongst staff of the agency. It’s time to dismantle the imaginary walls and silos built internally over the years, which have been stifling productivity.

    “The retreat will give us all a good understanding of the work NiMeT does. The science of meteorology should be treated and handled with all seriousness because of its importance and impact on lives, properties and on the economy,” he said.

    Read Also: Emefiele: EFCC to appeal against N100m fine

    Anosike advised participants to be active during the retreat and make contributions that would help the agency to achieve its mandate.

    The NiMET boss said its activities impact all aspects of the economy.

    “Despite prevailing economic challenges, there are opportunities in the external environment for NiMeT. We should aim to reduce wastages in our operations, prioritize spending, and improve our internally generated revenue,” he said.

    The DG said at the end of the retreat, participants should be equipped with the requisite knowledge to carry out their duties with effectiveness to ensure smooth day-to-day running of the agency’s affairs, among others.

  • Hazy weather: NiMET alerts airline operators, asthma patients

    Hazy weather: NiMET alerts airline operators, asthma patients

    Due to the imminent hazy weather, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a three-day climate forecast warning to airline operators, as well as individuals with respiratory conditions and asthmatics.

    The country’s northern states would experience sunny and hazy weather which started yesterday, according to a report released by the meteorological agency on Tuesday.

    The report said: “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

    “Individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues are advised to be cautious of the weather conditions.”

    “Slight dust haze is expected over the Inland areas of the South during the forecast period while, few clouds in the hazy atmosphere is expected over the coastal cities with slim prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the afternoon/evening period.”

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 3-day dust haze from Wednesday

    For the first day, Wednesday, January 3, the report read: “NiMet anticipates a sunny and hazy atmosphere over the North and North Central regions throughout the forecast period. There’s a slight dust haze expected over the inland areas of the South, with a few clouds in a hazy atmosphere predicted over the coastal cities. Slim prospects of isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afternoon and evening period.

    It added: “A hazy atmosphere is expected over the North and North Central regions throughout the forecast period” starting on Thursday. Adding there will likely be a few cloud patches in an unclear sky over coastal cities and inland South regions, as well as a chance of sporadic thunderstorms over portions of the oil-producing states in the afternoon and evening.

    The forecast for Friday said: “Sunny and Hazy atmosphere is anticipated over the North and North Central region during the forecast period. Few patches of clouds in a hazy atmosphere are expected over the Inland areas, the South, and the Coastal belt with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Bayelsa, and Delta states in the afternoon/evening period.”

    Nimet further encouraged people to take the appropriate safety measures because of the suspension of dust particles in the atmosphere.

  • NiMet predicts 3-day dust haze from Wednesday

    NiMet predicts 3-day dust haze from Wednesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted moderate dust haze from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Tuesday, predicts horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000 metres over the northern region.

    “Moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is expected over the North Central region and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period, while Hazy atmosphere is envisaged over the coastal cities throughout the forecast period,” it said.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 3-day dust haze, sunshine

    According to it, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is also expected over the North, the North Central and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period on Thursday.

    The agency anticipated a hazy atmosphere over the coastal belt of the country throughout the forecast period.

    NiMet’ predicts moderate dust haze on Friday with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the North, the North-central and the inland areas of the South throughout the forecast period.

    “Hazy atmosphere is expected over the coastal cities during the forecast period, and the public should take necessary precautions as dust particles will be in the air.

    “People with Asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.

    “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

    (NAN) 

  • NiMet predicts 3-day dust haze, sunshine

    NiMet predicts 3-day dust haze, sunshine

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast haziness and sunshine from Saturday to Monday across the country.

    NiMet`s weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja predicted moderate dust haze on Saturday with horizontal visibility of 2km and 5km over the northern region during the forecast period.

    According to the agency, a sunny sky in hazy atmosphere is expected over the North central cities and the inland cities of the South.

    It anticipated partly cloudy skies in hazy atmosphere over the coastal belt of the country.

    It expected some prospects of localised thunderstorms over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states later in the day.

    “For Sunday, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the North and the North central regions during the forecast period.

    “Sunny skies in hazy atmosphere is expected over the inland cities of the South during the forecast period. Patches of clouds in hazy atmosphere is expected over the coastal cities throughout the forecast period.

    Read Also: Giver passengers daily weather updates, Okonkwo tells NiMet

    “Also for Monday, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the North, North central and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period,“ the agency said.

    According to it, few cloud patches are expected in hazy atmosphere over the coastal cities throughout the forecast period.

    The agency urged the public to take necessary precautions as dust particles are in suspension.

    It urged people with Asthma and other respiratory issues to be cautious of the present weather situations.

    “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it added.

    (NAN)

  • Giver passengers daily weather updates, Okonkwo tells NiMet

    Giver passengers daily weather updates, Okonkwo tells NiMet

    The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has told the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, that airline operators in the country will support him to achieve the mandate of the agency.

    Okonkwo made the promise when he visited Anosike at the NiMet headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

    He said: “I am delighted that Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appointed someone of Professor Anosike’s caliber, a cerebral and highly focused person as DG/CEO of NiMet. It reinforces the importance the government attaches to this very important agency that is critical not only to the aviation, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors, but also to other critical sectors of the economy.

    “Professor Anosike is a seasoned leader and administrator with proven track record of management of men and materials. I have no doubt that he will bring the necessary leadership to the organisation.

    Read Also; Electricity disruption nationwide caused by shutdown of Egbin Power Plant – IED

    “As operators in the aviation industry, we have always yearned for closer partnership and collaboration with NiMet. The service NiMet provides is strategic. We don’t have to wait for when there is impending flood to access NiMet’s services.

    “For the aviation sector, the airlines require weather information one week or even one month ahead so that we can plan our flight schedules accordingly.

    “This week alone, there have been several disruptions of flight operations. It is becoming increasingly difficult for operators to explain the disruptions to passengers. Operators don’t like delays as well.

    “We know that NiMet cannot change the weather, but the agency should inform the public ahead about weather conditions.

    “We suggest that NiMet starts daily weather updates to passengers to prepare their minds ahead of weather disruptions, especially during this harmattan season…”

    Anosike thanked Professor Okonkwo for the visit. He said: “I have heard all that you said. I want to assure you that NiMet is ready to collaborate, partner and support the airline operators. We will improve the way NiMet works. We will also take your advice on board.”

  • NIMET seeks collaboration to combat impact of climate change

    NIMET seeks collaboration to combat impact of climate change

    The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Matazu, advocates for collaboration to proactively address the adverse effects of climate change. 

    He said this involves delivering actionable impact-based products and services to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and climate events on lives and property globally.

    This is just as participants from 16 African countries flagged off a two-weeks ‘Early Warning for All’ capacity building initiative programme at the Regional Training Centre(RTC) at the Nimet Regional Headquarters in Oshodi,  Lagos.

    Matazu spoke at the  opening of a two weeks Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative workshop organised by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), at the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos.

    Matazu said WMO recognised regional institution for capacity building, particularly in the West African Sub-region, adding that recent years have seen significant increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme  weather and climate events globally, often leading to huge destruction of properties and loss  of lives.

    He said the extreme events were linked to the changing climate, which the world is still grappling with ways to mitigate and provide effective adaptation mechanisms.

    The Director General, who was represented by the Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Daniel Okafor, said that the United Nations (UN), recognised the key role of WMO in creating and sustaining climate resilient societies across the globe, is spearheading a new action to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by Early Warning Systems by the year 2027.

    This, he said, brought the Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, in which participants from 16 African countries would be trained at the Regional Training Centre in Lagos.

    He listed the countries to include: Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Central Africa Republic (CAR), Congo, Cote-de-Ivoire, Gambia and Guinea Bissau.

    Other countries are Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Gabon.

    The DG said the centre of the EW4ALL initiative is the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) across the globe.

    He said the NMHSs is saddled with the responsibility of observing, measuring, reporting, predicting, and monitoring atmospheric variables to provide  adequate understating of atmospheric dynamics and issue early warnings of impending  extreme weather events that are hazardous and could lead to disasters.

    He added that to achieve these, strengthening human and infrastructure capacity is critical.

    He stated: “Weather has no boundary, and it is no respecter of political or geographical affiliations. All nations on earth must therefore synergise to proactively combat the negative impacts of changing climate by providing actionable impact-based products and services toward mitigating the impact of these weather and climate extreme events on lives and property across the globe.”

    He posited that it is against this backdrop, that the WMO and NiMet have joined forces to organise this workshop.

    The workshop, he said targets meteorologists and climate scientists across the Sub-region, focusing on capacity building, knowledge exchange, collaboration and skill acquisition to develop  competencies for realising the goal of EW4ALL.

    He stated: “This workshop signifies a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance and strengthen early warning systems in the region, a vital component of our commitment to building a resilient community.

    “Over the next two weeks, we will have the opportunity to engage with experts in various aspects of the weather and climate value chain, share best practices, and explore innovative methods. These efforts aim to enhance our capacity to predict and respond to weather related hazards. 

    “The workshop seeks to comprehend the complexities of weather prediction and develop systems that are accessible, adaptable, and responsive to the diverse needs of our communities. The ultimate goal is to empower participants to go back home and implement early warning systems that are robust, inclusive, and leave no one behind,” he said.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, haziness from Wednesday

    “Therefore, we delve into the intricacies of early warning systems; our focus goes beyond addressing technical challenges, but investing in the safety and well-being of our communities.”

    He commended the WMO for its  continued support for Nimet and the entire Regional Association (Africa) members.

    He urged participants to use this opportunity to gain experience from each other, forge new partnerships, and contribute to the advancement of early warning systems in their respective countries, hoping that this workshop serves as a catalyst for positive change, a platform for fruitful collaboration, and a beacon of hope for communities vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events.

    Also  speaking, the Director of Research and Training,Prof. Efiong Okon said that climate change  has brought extreme weather conditions not only in Nigeria but also to other parts of the world .

    He added that   in recognition of the above, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres  launched the Early Warning Initiative in 2022.

  • NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, haziness from Wednesday

    NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, haziness from Wednesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and haziness from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja forecast sunny and hazy skies over the northern region with few patches of
    clouds over parts of Taraba state during the forecast period.

    According to NiMet, sunny and hazy skies are expected over the North central regions, with few patches of cloud over parts of Kwara, Kogi and Benue states throughout the forecast period.

    “Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine is envisaged over the inland states of the South and the coastal cities during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta states,” it said.

    According tdust haze is expected over the northern region during the forecast period on Thursday.

    According to it, sunny and hazy skies are expected over the North central region throughout the forecast period.

    “Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the Inland states of the South and the coastal areas during the morning hours.

    “In the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Imo, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states,” it said.

    The agency anticipated dust haze over the northern region during the forecast period on Thursday.

    According to it, sunny and hazy skies are anticipated over the North central region within the forecast period.

    “Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the Inland states of the South and the coastal cities during the morning hours.

    ” Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta states,” it said.

    NiMet advised members of the public to take necessary precautions as dust particles would be in suspension.

    It further advised people with Asthma and other respiratory issues to be cautious of the present weather situations.

    “Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take necessary caution, avoid driving and walking through flood waters.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 24-hour poor visibility in seven northern states

    “Strong winds are likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms, the public is advised to take necessary safety precautions.

    “Disaster Risk Managers, Agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season.

    “Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,”

    (NAN)

  • NiMet predicts 24-hour poor visibility in seven northern states

    NiMet predicts 24-hour poor visibility in seven northern states

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted seven northern states to anticipate poor visibility due to approaching dust haze within the next 24 hours.

    The warning is contained in a release by the agency yesterday titled: “Alerts on approaching dust haze”.

    According to the release by the General Manager of Public Relations of the agency, Yusuf Ibrahim, the states likely to be affected are; Katsina, Kano, Yobe (Nguru, Potiskum) Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno (Maiduguri).

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet), has alerted the public on the possibility of approaching thick dust hazes that can lead to deterioration of horizontal visibility within the next 24 hours. The Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) (currently at about 9.60N Lat) is expected to retreat slightly Southwards in the next 24hrs. Winds over 10m and 925hPa (700m) are favourable for dust-haze propagations into the Northern parts of the country.

    “Stations in the source region (Sahara Desert) from Chad (Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche and Ndjamena) and sources from Niger, that shares border with Northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, Zinder and Birni-n-Konni), have been reporting dust-haze in poor horizontal visibility between 300m and 5000m in the last 24hrs.

    Read Also: NiMet targets commercialization of meteorological services

    “Due to strong winds, the dust in suspension is expected to propagate to some states in the northern part of the country.

    “This is expected to further deteriorate horizontal visibility over the northern parts of the country, especially over Katsina, Kano, Yobe (Nguru, Potiskum) Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno (Maiduguri) in the next 24hours.”

    The agency advised members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.

    It added that people with asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.

    NiMet while calling on airline operators to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations added that it will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.

  • NiMet targets commercialization of meteorological services

    NiMet targets commercialization of meteorological services

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has disclosed readiness to commercialise some of its services and products to boost its revenue and contribute to the country’s GDP.

    The agency explained that the move was imperative due to inadequate resources from the government to support its operations and the high demand for meteorological and hydrological services by Nigerians and other countries.

    NiMet noted that the agency’s goal to commercialise some of its services would be achieved through collaborations and more Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

    This was disclosed in Abuja on Monday by the Director General of (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Matazu at the first French-Nigeria Meteorological Seminar and business meeting.

    He said: “The world economies are struggling due to various challenges around the globe, including natural and man-made disasters, and the fact that most countries are yet to stabilise due to the devastating COVID experience.

    “The cost of conducting meteorological business is also increasing amidst staff attritions due to inadequate remuneration and many others. Hence, Government funding of meteorological activities such as instrumentation, new technologies, equipment, welfare, communication, and data exchange are grossly inadequate.

    “It is therefore imperative that Public Private Partnership must be embraced and explored”.

    Speaking about some of its services and the need to generate revenue that would boost the country’s GDP, Matazu said: “As a service provider, NiMet in line with its established mandate promotes and implements activities in support of national socio-economic development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    “The Agency also develops various products and services that are reliable, accurate, timely and actionable which highlights vital Weather and Climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in air, land, and water transportation, agriculture, water resources, disaster management and mitigation, health, tourism, sports, power and energy.

    “For successful sustenance of these products and services amidst the economic situations and the need to adequately ensure the purpose of the United Nations Early Warning for All initiative is achieved, it is critical for the adoption of available credible Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and engagements that will provide innovative and cost-effective technological solutions that will proffer ease of doing business for maximum impacts.

    “The climate change issue is very challenging, so we need to open up more partnerships and there is a concept in the WMO called weather enterprise which aims to see how government and private sectors can work together in weather monitoring and in providing services for improved and sustainable livelihood in Africa.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts heavy rainfall in Lagos, Ogun Bayelsa, 12 other states

    “So, commercialization is the way to go because if you check our services that are categorized into public service, government-support service and the tailored service; there is need to expand more on the tailored services to be able to generate more revenue for the agency and for government and also deliver more effective services to our clients in the country and beyond”.

    Also speaking, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann who described the seminar as a win-win situation added that it would avail both countries opportunities to share ideas on latest technologies.

    Blatmann said: “The seminar on meteorology and hydrology is part of the partnership agreement between Nigerian authorities and the French government.  The French government responded to the request made by Nigerian authorities because there is a need for a public-private partnership.

    “France has been leading in climate change issues by integrating each of our projects and policies in all our partnerships abroad to mitigate the effect of climate change all over the world. So, the seminar is about sharing good practices and offering the latest technological solutions.”

  • NiMet to commercialise services

    NiMet to commercialise services

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has disclosed readiness to commercialise some of its services and products to boost its revenue and contribute to the country’s GDP.

    The agency explained that the move was imperative due to inadequate resources from the government to support its operations and the high demand for meteorological and hydrological services by Nigerians and other countries.

    NiMet noted that the agency’s goal to commercialise some of its services would be achieved through collaborations and more Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

    This was disclosed in Abuja on Monday by the Director General of (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Matazu at the first French-Nigeria Meteorological Seminar and business meeting.

    He said: “The world economies are struggling due to various challenges around the globe, including natural and man-made disasters, and the fact that most countries are yet to stabilise due to the devastating COVID experience.

    “The cost of conducting meteorological business is also increasing amidst staff attritions due to inadequate remuneration and many others. Hence, Government funding of meteorological activities such as instrumentation, new technologies, equipment, welfare, communication, and data exchange are grossly inadequate.

    “It is therefore imperative that Public Private Partnership must be embraced and explored”.

    Speaking about some of its services and the need to generate revenue that would boost the country’s GDP, Matazu said: “As a service provider, NiMet in line with its established mandate promotes and implements activities in support of national socio-economic development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    “The Agency also develops various products and services that are reliable, accurate, timely and actionable which highlights vital Weather and Climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in air, land, and water transportation, agriculture, water resources, disaster management and mitigation, health, tourism, sports, power and energy.

    “For successful sustenance of these products and services amidst the economic situations and the need to adequately ensure the purpose of the United Nations Early Warning for All initiative is achieved, it is critical for the adoption of available credible Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and engagements that will provide innovative and cost-effective technological solutions that will proffer ease of doing business for maximum impacts.

    Read Also: NiMet targets commercialisation of meteorological services

    “The climate change issue is very challenging, so we need to open up more partnerships and there is a concept in the WMO called weather enterprise which aims to see how government and private sectors can work together in weather monitoring and in providing services for improved and sustainable livelihood in Africa.

    “So, commercialization is the way to go because if you check our services that are categorized into public service, government-support service and the tailored service; there is need to expand more on the tailored services to be able to generate more revenue for the agency and for government and also deliver more effective services to our clients in the country and beyond”.

    Also speaking, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann who described the seminar as a win-win situation added that it would avail both countries opportunities to share ideas on latest technologies.

    Blatmann said: “The seminar on meteorology and hydrology is part of the partnership agreement between Nigerian authorities and the French government.  The French government responded to the request made by Nigerian authorities because there is a need for a public-private partnership.

    “France has been leading in climate change issues by integrating each of our projects and policies in all our partnerships abroad to mitigate the effect of climate change all over the world. So, the seminar is about sharing good practices and offering the latest technological solutions.”