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Tag: NIMET

  • NiMet, Union reach agreement to postpone strike

    NiMet, Union reach agreement to postpone strike

    The leadership of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the agency-based unions have reached an agreement to postpone the planned strike by the union.

    The strike by the unions; National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 4th of February 2025.

    A statement by the agency on Monday stated that the unions’ representatives announced the postponement of the strike action following an agreement reached between the national and branch officers of the unions and the management of NiMet.

    According to the statement, both sides noted that the interests of NiMet workers were the focus of the discussions and negotiations.

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    In the negotiations which led to the signing of the agreement by both parties, timelines of actions were agreed by both parties on the various issues raised by the unions.

    The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, has said that NiMet management will always champion the cause of workers’ welfare but within realistic economic conditions.

    He said: “I welcome the efforts of the National Officers of NiMet agency-based unions and the input of the branches. We are not over the line yet on the issues but I am happy that we have been able to convince the unions’ leadership to postpone their planned strike action. This will enable management to continue with its ongoing efforts towards obtaining the necessary approvals from the federal government on the issues raised by unions.”

    The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Benjamin Nnabue, who led the negotiations on behalf of the unions said that the unions were not in the habit of embarking on strikes and antagonizing management but usually resort to such as a last option.

     “These issues with NiMet management may be inherited but government is a continuum. Our interest is the overall welfare of the staff of NiMet”.

    The Director of Labour in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Olusoga Adebayo, who observed the discussions between both parties, commended both parties. He said the parties have been able to reach an amicable solution through dialogue.

    According to the agreement jointly signed by the unions and NiMet management, both parties recognized that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing unions’ concerns. They committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent re-occurrence.

    All parties also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a progressive partnership that enhances industrial peace and promotes the welfare of NiMet staff, while the unions agreed to postpone the industrial action until further notice as a gesture of goodwill in consultation with their relevant organs.

  • NiMet predicts 3-day haziness, cloudiness

    NiMet predicts 3-day haziness, cloudiness

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a spell of haziness and cloudiness across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

    According to NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday, a moderate dust haze is expected on Monday, with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the northern cities.

    Furthermore, localised visibility of less than or equal to 1000m is anticipated over parts of Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States throughout the forecast period.

    Moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is also expected over the North Central region, with localised visibility of less than or equal to 1000m anticipated over parts of Niger.

    In the southern regions, hazy skies with patches of clouds are expected over the inland cities and coastal belt during the morning hours.

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    This is with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River States later in the day.

    On Tuesday, NiMet predicts moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the northern region and the North Central region.

    Also, moderate dust haze is expected over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, and Enugu State.

    Remaining parts of the inland states of the South are, however, expected to be hazy with patches of clouds.

    “Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

    “The public should take adequate precaution and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities,” NiMet warned.

    The agency advised airline operators “to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”

    NiMet also urged the public to take necessary precautions, as dust particles are in suspension.

    “People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather conditions,” NiMET said.

    Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet, www.nimet.gov.ng.

    (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

  • NiMet, MTN, Tomorrow.io partner to develop digital climate advisory services system

    NiMet, MTN, Tomorrow.io partner to develop digital climate advisory services system

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MTN and advanced weather intelligence company; Tomorrow.io to develop a Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) System.

    The System is aimed at delivering location-specific and actionable weather advisories to Nigerian farmers via mobile SMS.

    The partnership which is in line with the United Nations (UN) goal of ensuring early warning systems for all, would serve the need of strengthening climate resilience in Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector. 

    Speaking at the MoU signing at NiMet Headquarters in Abuja, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike said that the overall aim of the partnership is to improve agricultural productivity and resilience by providing localized, timely weather advisories.

    He said: “This aligns with the food security agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government”

    He also said the choice of MTN and Tomorrow.io was strategic as they are leaders in their respective sectors.

    “I am excited to welcome the MTN CEO, Karl Toriola, the officials Shoyinka Shodunke (Chief Information Officer), Tobechukwu Okigbo (Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer), and the Tomorrow.io team to NiMet for this groundbreaking MoU signing that will impact not only the agricultural sector but the entire Nigerian economy. My primary objective has been to open up the space of the business of climate science to the private sector so that they will begin to understand the incredible impact of climate science.”

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    Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Karl Toriola said that MTN is always looking for ways to support government agencies and the Nigerian public in general. 

    “I am optimistic about what this partnership with NiMet and Tomorrow.io will do for the agricultural sector, emergency and disaster management, the public and the Nigerian economy as a whole. From the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful to NiMet for allowing MTN to partner with it”. 

    The Managing Director of Tomorrow.io, Dr. Henry Onyemachi thanked the DG of NiMet for his strong leadership directing the process leading to the signing of the MoU. 

    “For us at Tomorrow.io, it’s a very happy moment for us reflecting on the progressive and very focused journey which began a year ago. This is a very impactful project that we are embarking on which touches on the food security that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been harping on”, he said. 

    Under the terms of the MoU, the parties shall collaborate in the development, deployment, and testing of the DCAS platform, which will provide weather-based advisories to farmers through SMS notifications. 

  • NiMet to unveil 2025 seasonal climate prediction February 4 

    NiMet to unveil 2025 seasonal climate prediction February 4 

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has announced plans to release the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on February 4.

    This year’s theme, “The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” underscores the importance of proactive measures in mitigating climate impacts.

    NiMet publishes its annual predictions of climatic variables, including rainfall and temperature patterns, during the first quarter of the year. 

    This initiative aligns with its mandate to provide critical guidance to the government and public on weather, climate, and water-related matters.

    According to the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike; “The Seasonal Climate Prediction highlights vital weather and climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in the following sectors during the year; agriculture, aviation, disaster risk management, health, oil & gas, telecommunication, tourism, transport (Water and Land), power (hydro and renewable), water resources management, etc.

    “The socioeconomic implications of the expected rainfall and temperature patterns for some sectors of the economy are also presented in the publication”.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 3-day hazy weather starting Wednesday

    The forecast information provided in the SCP document includes the onset and cessation dates of the 2025 rainy season; the length of the cropping season; the total amount of rainfall expected in all the 774 Local Government Areas of the country; temperature (January – May) as well as Malaria and Meningitis vigilance forecast. 

    The Seasonal Climate Prediction document is a national document and the public presentation attracts guests from the public and private sectors, development partners, non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic community, farmers associations, etc. 

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will perform the presentation of the publication alongside its summary for policymakers and translations in three major Nigerian languages, and State of the Climate in Nigeria.

  • Aviation Ministry Perm Sec Kana visits NiMet 

    Aviation Ministry Perm Sec Kana visits NiMet 

    Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Friday, January 10, 2025, has paid a visit to the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet). 

    Welcoming the Permanent Secretary, the Director General, and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike briefed him on the operations of the agency and its relationship with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of which it is a member and NiMet DG/CEO the permanent representative of Nigeria with WMO. 

    “We have strong relationships with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Blue Economy, and other MDAs who rely on our weather forecast for various operations, Professor Anosike explained. 

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 3-day hazy weather starting Wednesday

    Responding, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana expressed appreciation for the services NiMet is rendering towards the socio-economic development of the nation. He praised Prof. Anosike, the management team, and the staff of NiMet for their hardwork and encouraged them to do more. 

    “I appreciate the strong relationship existing between NiMet and other government ministries and agencies. I call for even stronger and better relationships between the heads of the agencies. I will work with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN to see that NiMet receives more government support”, he promised. 

    As part of the visit, the NiMet DG/CEO took the visiting Permanent Secretary on a tour of facilities in the agency including the new digital weather broadcasting studio. 

  • NiMet predicts 3-day hazy weather starting Wednesday

    NiMet predicts 3-day hazy weather starting Wednesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted hazy weather conditions across the country from Wednesday to Friday.

    NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Tuesday in Abuja, said moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km would be expected during the forecast period.

    “In the North Central region, moderate dust haze with similar horizontal visibility is anticipated.

    “The inland cities of the South are expected to experience cloud patches in a hazy atmosphere throughout the period, while the coastal cities will see early morning mist or fog.

    “Later in the day, cloud patches in hazy conditions are also expected in the coastal areas.”

    NiMet further predicted slight dust haze in the northern region, with improved visibility throughout the forecast period.

    It also noted that the northern region would experience moderate dust haze on Friday, with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km.

    “However, localised visibilities of less than 1km are expected in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kaduna states”

    Read Also: NiMet, NGF sign MoU to enhance climate-smart information and meteorological services

    The agency also forecasted slight dust haze with good visibility for the North Central region, as well as cloud patches in a hazy atmosphere over the inland cities of the South.

    NiMet urged the public to take necessary precautions, as dust particles were suspended in the air.

    The agency advised people with respiratory issues, such as asthma, to be cautious of the prevailing weather conditions.

    It also recommended that airline operators obtained airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to ensure effective flight planning.

    NiMet further advised residents to stay informed by following weather updates on their website at www.nimet.gov.ng.

    (NAN)

  • NiMet, NGF sign MoU to enhance climate-smart information and meteorological services

    NiMet, NGF sign MoU to enhance climate-smart information and meteorological services

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in assisting the thirty-six states of the federation in implementing climate-smart information and standard meteorological services across various sectors including agriculture, telecommunications, marine, oil and gas, mining, aviation, disaster management, and other areas of the economy.

    At the MoU signing in Abuja on Wednesday, December 18, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude to the governors of the 36 states, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, and the NGF team for the opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between NiMet and NGF.

    “This is a piece of the puzzle that we’ve been trying to solve. For us to be able to scale up access to weather information, not just to farmers, but also to help us manage our state airports. Without NiMet information, we cannot fly. So this relationship is very critical for us,” Professor Anosike said.

    He also informed the NGF team that the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has approved the date for the public presentation of the 2025 NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

    “The 2025 NiMet SCP will be unveiled on Tuesday 4th February 2025. NiMet cannot implement the downscaling without the support of the state governments. Signing this MoU is a milestone for us and we thank the NGF team for this opportunity”, Prof. Anosike concluded.

    Read Also: NiMet hosts workshop ahead release of 2025 SCP

    Responding, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu said that it was a good thing that both agencies are signing a formal MoU although they have had a 10-year-old relationship.

    “NiMet is doing a good job. We still have in our libraries NiMet’s forecasts dating back to 10 years ago. We are delighted with the signing of this MoU because of what we will be able to do jointly for Nigeria and our communities in the states.

    “The MoU NiMet and NGF will collaborate in providing meteorological and climatological data as it relates to the agricultural environment and activities or any area of meteorology for the development of climate change indices and impact in the 36 states of the federation”, Alhaji Shittu said. 

  • NiMet hosts workshop ahead release of 2025 SCP

    NiMet hosts workshop ahead release of 2025 SCP

    Nigerian Meteorological Agency has held a workshop on impact of seasonal climate prediction (SCP).

    The workshop discussed likely impact of SCP ahead of its public presentation for next year.

    Stakeholders  praised the agency for its services through timely release of SCP document.

    Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the meeting was a process in preparation of the document.

    He said NiMet was positioned to climate-proof the economy by its weather and climate report.

    “Over the years, the SCP has evolved in scope, including the concept of co-development, which is supported by World Meteorological Organisation. This concept of co-development allows stakeholders to be part of the production process of weather and climate information to increase depth and improve accuracy and relevance of information provided.

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    “I urge us to reflect on the events of various components of 2024 prediction, their socio-economic impacts and use our experiences to generate more robust advisories for 2025…” Anosike said.

    Representative of World Meteorological Organisation in Nigeria, Dr. Bernard Gomez, represented by Dr. Rowland Abah, hailed NiMet for issuing the seasonal climate prediction.

    “I wish to commend NiMet for organising this workshop. It demonstrates NiMet’s capacity and leadership in forecasting weather and climate conditions.”

  • NiMet hosts stakeholders’ workshop ahead of release of 2025 SCP

    NiMet hosts stakeholders’ workshop ahead of release of 2025 SCP

    Ahead of the public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) next year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) held a stakeholders workshop in Abuja to discuss the socio-economic impact of the SCP.

    The stakeholders who cut across different sectors of the economy commended NiMet for its invaluable services towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development, through the timely release of the SCP document every year.

    The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike said the stakeholders meeting was an essential process in the preparation of the 2025 SCP document.

    He said that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is positioned to climate-proof the economy by providing timely weather and climate information.

    “Over the years, the SCP has evolved in scope, including the concept of co-development, which is adequately supported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This concept of co-development allows critical stakeholders to be part of the production process of weather and climate information to increase the depth and improve the accuracy and the relevance of information provided. This concept also makes the Stakeholders co-own the weather and climate information generated”, Prof. Anosike said.

    “I urge us all to reflect on the observed events of the various components of 2024 prediction, their socio-economic impacts across sectors and use our experiences to generate more robust advisories for the 2025 prediction to improve livelihoods, secure the nation’s food security status, and make our people resilient”, he concluded.

    Representative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Nigeria, Dr. Bernard Gomez, represented by Dr. Rowland Abah commended NiMet as it has been issuing the seasonal climate prediction for over 10 years.

    Read Also: NiMet hosts 2nd roundtable meeting on anticipatory action framework for Nigeria

    “I wish to commend NiMet for organizing this Stakeholders’ Workshop annually. It demonstrates NiMet’s capacity and leadership in forecasting weather and climate conditions. This is evident in the fact that NiMet now supports other African countries in producing their forecasts and building their capacity. This is highly commendable.”

    Representative of the Executive Director of Advocacy For Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), Bilkisu Yakubu, thanked the DG/CEO of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, for making the workshop inclusive.

    “It is the first time in the history of Nigeria. We are so proud of NiMet because of the hospitality that was given to us when we came to sign the MoU. I am very glad that we are working with NiMet. Particularly the DG/CEO Prof Anosike, he is the ambassador for inclusivity, especially when it comes to climate change”, she said.

    The stakeholders forum serves as a feedback mechanism for NiMet and ensures that the final SCP document meets everybody’s expectations as NiMet produces the final SCP document scheduled to be unveiled to the public in late January 2025 subject to the approval of the final date by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

    Some of the ministries, agencies, and organizations that participated in the workshop are the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Harvest Plus, Advocacy For Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), and others. 

  • NiMet hosts 2nd roundtable meeting on anticipatory action framework for Nigeria

    NiMet hosts 2nd roundtable meeting on anticipatory action framework for Nigeria

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on Thursday, December 12, 2024, hosted the 2nd roundtable meeting on ‘Anticipatory Action Framework For Nigeria’, aimed at developing a unified approach and framework for anticipatory action in Nigeria. 

    The meeting was a follow-up to the November 2024 meeting convened by the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

    Welcoming the participants, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, said that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration continues to play a crucial role in addressing humanitarian emergencies occasioned by conflicts, natural disasters, extreme weather events, climate change. 

    He advocated for inter-agency cooperation and partnership to achieve collective success for Nigeria. 

    Professor Anosike said: “In NiMet, with competent personnel and improved technological tools, we provide early warnings products and services through accurate, timely and actionable weather forecasts and climate prediction that allows anticipation of severe weather events. This enables individuals, authorities, and communities prepare for anticipatory early action such as evacuation, resource mobilization, infrastructure reinforcement, etc”. 

    “Our work, through continuous weather observation, monitoring and reporting, and impact-based forecasting is crucial for disaster preparedness and response thereby ensuring the right quantity of human and material resources are mobilised for the safety of vulnerable communities”, Professor Anosike concluded. 

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    In his remarks, Trond Jensen, the Head of Office for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria said; “We live in a changing world, both in terms of climate change, and changing demographics which makes some people more vulnerable. 

    “However, the prevention is always better than the cure. So our ability to anticipate so that we can prevent or mitigate climate-related incidents, not only do we reduce suffering, but we also save money in the process, which is critical”. 

    Arch. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the Director General, of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), said he hoped that from the deliberations, participants would be able to come up with solutions and actionable plans to be able to deliver on the changes required to mitigate climate impacts. 

    Inna Audu, Special Adviser on Humanitarian and Development Partners to the President in the Office of the Vice President said that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima is concerned about the people and how to help them mitigate all the factors that affect them daily and also yearly when the disasters occur. 

    Fred Anusim, Deputy Director of Planning and Research at Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who represented the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said that anticipatory action is important in every disaster management policy.

    Participants at the meeting were drawn from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).