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Tag: NIMET

  • ILRI team visits NiMet DG, commends workshop outcomes

    ILRI team visits NiMet DG, commends workshop outcomes

    A delegation from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) paid a courtesy visit to the director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Charles Anosike, on Tuesday, November 19.

    The ILRI team included Anthony Whitbread, Program Leader for Livestock, Climate, and Environment; Dhulipala Ram Kiran, Research Scientist; Prof. Murtala Badamasi, Coordinator of Training at the Centre for Dry-Land Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano; and Hakeem Ajeigbe, Consultant for ILRI and the Centre for Dry-Land Agriculture.

    Read Also: Anosike: NiMet positioned to safeguard economy through climate information

    During the meeting, the team briefed Prof. Anosike on the outcomes of the one-day workshop titled “Understanding the Landscape of Agro-Meteorological Data Resources and Processes for Facilitating Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption.”

    The workshop, co-hosted by NiMet and ILRI, took place on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Abuja.

    The ILRI representatives expressed their gratitude to Prof. Anosike and NiMet for their support, describing the workshop’s deliberations as some of the most impactful they had participated in.

    Prof. Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to future collaborations with ILRI and emphasized the agency’s intent to implement key workshop recommendations, including incorporating pastoralists into NiMet’s initiatives. Following the meeting, he guided the ILRI team on a tour of NiMet’s advanced digital weather forecasting facilities.

  • Anosike: NiMet positioned to safeguard economy through climate information

    Anosike: NiMet positioned to safeguard economy through climate information

    The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has stated that the agency is committed to climate-proofing the economy by providing timely weather and climate information.

    Prof. Anosike made this statement during a one-day workshop titled: “Understanding the Landscape of Agro-Meteorological Data Resources and Processes for Facilitating Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption,” which was co-hosted by NiMet and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Abuja on Monday, November 18, 2024.

    He explained that the workshop aims to help participants gain a better understanding of agro-meteorological advisories in Nigeria.

    “This is an important workshop that is aimed at building resilience among smallholder farmers and livestock keepers to increase productivity by Identifying adaptation options, best practices, and adaptation gaps for smallholder farmers. I am particularly grateful to the ILRI for co-hosting this event, as the event is coming at the right time when NiMet is working on a strategic design to explore the pastoralist landscape of Nigeria in a bid to strengthen engagement and ensure the development of early warning systems specifically for the sector to make it resilient and sustainable in advancing the UN EW4ALL initiative.”

    Prof. Anosike said that NiMet’s agrometeorological advisories have evolved in scope, including the concept of co-production which is supported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

    Read Also: WMO concludes reaccreditation visit to NiMet’s RTC in Lagos

    “Co-production allows critical stakeholders to be part of the production process of weather and climate information to increase the depth and improve the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. The workshop allows critical stakeholders to map the climate information advisories that are critical to smallholder farmers, and livestock keepers”, Prof. Anosike concluded.

    Anthony Whitbread, Program leader, of livestock, climate, and environment at ILRI and one of the workshop facilitators said the workshop will improve the capacity of the participants, and help to identify gaps in information needs, data gathering, and the process of delivery of information to the last mile including gender and social inclusion.

    On her part, Rupsha Banerjee, Senior Scientist, Institutions and Innovation at ILRI listed the expected outcome of the workshop as the production of “Country profile and infographic in brief, the delivery of climate services via the public and private sector in Nigeria.”

  • WMO concludes reaccreditation visit to NiMet’s RTC in Lagos

    WMO concludes reaccreditation visit to NiMet’s RTC in Lagos

    The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) at the weekend concluded its eight-yearly re-accreditation visit to the Regional Training School (RTC) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) at Oshodi in Lagos.

    The re-accreditation visit, which lasted five days, was conducted by a team from the WMO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, led by the Coordinator of Learning and Development, WMO Education & Training Office, Dr. Paul Bugeac.

    The coordinator said the WMO had received complaints about NiMet’s RTC from previous years, which allegedly got him very upset.

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    “Things were really bad. I am impressed by what I am seeing here now and what I have learnt about the RTC in the last couple of months. It’s good to see dedicated workers taking care of the students’ hostel facilities, cleaning the rooms, and looking after the air conditioning and refrigerators, among others.

    “It’s also good having solar panels on all the buildings, to be sure that the power is uninterrupted, and not depending on the national grid. The example of Nigeria’s RTC will be shown to others. I’m impressed with the commitment, trend, innovation, and evolution at Nigeria’s RTC.

    “Also, we are impressed with the new training courses and new perspectives offered. We will continue our collaboration. I salute the commitment of Nigeria and the commitment of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO, Professor Charles Anosike,” he said.

    Dr. Bugeac thanked Prof. Anosike for the hospitality accorded the WMO team and requested that NiMet forward the documents requested to complete the re-accreditation process.

    “We need to have all the documents as soon as possible because the report needs to be written and discussed, then submitted to the Capacity Development Panel so that it can be promoted at the next Executive Council meeting in June 2025,” he said.

    Responding, Prof. Anosike, who is NiMet’s Director General/Chief Executive Officer and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the WMO, thanked Dr. Bugeac for acknowledging the tremendous progress the agency had made at RTC.

    “I am happy to hear that what is outstanding for our re-accreditation is just documentation. We have brilliant, hardworking meteorologists and scientists at NiMet. Documentation will not be a problem. We are usually able to get things done, not just for the re-certification. We have been able to achieve a lot within four months leading to this WMO re-accreditation visit.

    “This institution is wearing two caps now. It’s also nationally recognised and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer Diploma courses in related disciplines,” he said.

    Prof. Anosike added: “We have achieved all these things because we have a courageous leader in the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN). He is committed to the transformation of this institution. He understands that meteorology is the foundation that guides the safety protocol and decision-making in the nation.

    “That was why he took time out to travel to Geneva to meet the WMO Secretary-General. He asked me to extend his gratitude to you and to take back this important message to the Secretary-General.

    “I assure you that we will ensure that RTC becomes viable. We are going to wait for your reports, study them, and respond positively.”

  • WMO concludes re-accreditation visit to NiMet’s RTC Oshodi

    WMO concludes re-accreditation visit to NiMet’s RTC Oshodi

    …praises agency’s innovation and commitment

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) over the weekend concluded its eight-yearly re-accreditation visit to the Regional Training School (RTC) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in Oshodi, Lagos. 

    The re-accreditation visit which lasted for five days was conducted by a team from WMO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, led by the Coordinator of Learning and Development, WMO Education & Training Office, Dr. Paul Bugeac. 

    Speaking at the re-accreditation review meeting, Dr. Bugeac said that the WMO had received very drastic and tough complaints about NiMet’s RTC from previous years which made him very upset. 

    “Things were really bad. I am impressed by what I am seeing here now and what I have learned about the RTC in the last couple of months. It’s good to see dedicated staff taking care of the student’s hostel facilities, cleaning the rooms, and looking after the air conditioning and refrigerators, etc. Also having solar panels on all the buildings to be sure that the power is uninterrupted, and not depending on the national grid. 

    “The example of Nigeria’s RTC will be shown to others. I’m impressed with the commitment, trend, innovation, and evolution at Nigeria’s RTC. Also with the new training courses and new perspectives offered. We will continue our collaboration. I salute the commitment of Nigeria, and the commitment of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO, Professor Anosike”, Dr. Bugeac said. 

    He thanked the DG/CEO of NiMet Prof. Anosike for the hospitality accorded the WMO team and requested that NiMet forward the documents requested to complete the re-accreditation process. 

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    “We need to have all the documents as soon as possible, because the report needs to be written and discussed, then submitted to the Capacity Development Panel so that it can be promoted at the next Executive Council meeting in June 2025”, Dr. Bugeac said. 

    Responding, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the WMO, Professor Charles Anosike thanked Dr. Bugeac for acknowledging the tremendous progress the agency has made at RTC. 

    “I am happy to hear that what is outstanding for our re-accreditation is just documentation. We have brilliant hardworking meteorologists and scientists at NiMet. Documentation will not be a problem. We are usually able to get things done, not just for the re-certification. We have been able to achieve a lot within four months leading to this WMO re-accreditation visit. This institution is wearing two caps now. 

    “It’s also nationally recognized and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer Diploma courses in related disciplines”. 

    Continuing, Professor Anosike said: “We have achieved all these things because we have a courageous leader in the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. He is committed to the transformation of this institution. He understands that meteorology is the foundation that guides the safety protocol and decision-making in the nation. That was why he took time out to travel to Geneva to meet the WMO Secretary-General. 

    “He asked me to extend his gratitude to you and to take back this important message to the Secretary-General. 

    I assure you that we will ensure that RTC becomes viable. We are going to wait for your reports, study them, and respond positively.”

  • NiMet, NAPTIP partner to combat climate change-induced human trafficking, displacement

    NiMet, NAPTIP partner to combat climate change-induced human trafficking, displacement

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have promised to reduce the impact of climate change-induced human trafficking and displacement through an effective partnership.

    NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, announced this when he visited NAPTIP’s Director General Binta Adamu Bello at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

    In a statement, NiMet congratulated Bello on her appointment, stressing the importance of the partnership.

    He said: “It is important to have a leader who has a listening ear to understand the impact of climate change. Climate change affects all aspects of our lives. We are seeing the increasing effect of extreme weather events and the impact of climate change. When climate disaster strikes, it dislocates people and throws them into poverty. People are made to migrate.

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    “We need to invest in preparedness to ensure everyone is protected by early warnings of climate disasters. There’s a nexus between climate change and human trafficking.

    “That is why we need to establish this partnership with NAPTIP. This is because investing in early warning is very important. We cannot stop the extreme weather events but we can reduce impacts.

    “Partnering with NAPTIP will give us the platform to reach the vulnerable ones, our young ones, women, and the elderly who are mostly affected.

    “If we can strengthen our relationship with NAPTIP, we will be able to advise policymakers accordingly.

    “The flooding we are experiencing in the Northeast is also going to come down to the Southwest and the Southeast. We will partner and ensure that government at all levels adequately responds to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.”

    Responding, Bello said: “My target as the director general (of NAPTIP) is to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria in line with the determination of the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    “I am worried because the issue of human trafficking has become a national concern, bearing in mind the huge numbers of victims from all states within the country.

    “We must collaborate and find a lasting solution to the menace. This is why it is important to increase partnership and step up advocacy to all parts of the country to reduce their vulnerability.”

  • NiMet, NAPTIP partner to combat climate change-induced human trafficking, displacement

    NiMet, NAPTIP partner to combat climate change-induced human trafficking, displacement

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have disclosed plans to partner to reduce the impact of climate change-induced human trafficking and displacement.

    This was disclosed when the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, at the Abuja headquarters of NAPTIP.

    Prof. Anosike, in a statement by NiMet, congratulated NAPTIP DG on her appointment and stressed the importance of the partnership.

    He said: “It is important to have a leader who has a listening ear to understand the impact of climate change. Climate change affects all aspects of our lives. We are seeing the increasing effect of extreme weather events and the impact of climate change. When climate disaster strikes, it dislocates people and throws them into poverty.

    “People are made to migrate. We need to invest in preparedness to ensure everyone is protected by early warnings of climate disasters. There’s a nexus between climate change and human trafficking.

    Read Also: How tech deployment tackles challenges, by NiMet boss Anosike

    “That is why we need to establish this partnership with NAPTIP. This is because investing in early warning is very important. We cannot stop the extreme weather events but we can reduce impacts. Partnering with NAPTIP will give us the platform to reach the vulnerable ones, our young ones, women, and the elderly who are mostly affected.

    He added: “If we can strengthen our relationship with NAPTIP, we will be able to advise policymakers accordingly. The flooding we are experiencing in the Northeast is also going to come down to the Southwest and the Southeast. We will partner and ensure that the government at all levels adequately responds to reduce the impact of extreme weather events”.

    The DG of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, stated that her mission is to eradicate all forms of human trafficking in the country through effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including sister agencies of the government.

    Bello said: “My target as the Director General is to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria in line with the determination of the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    “I am worried because the issues of human trafficking has become a national concern bearing in mind the huge numbers of victims from all States within the Country.

    “We must collaborate and find a lasting solution to the menace. This is why it is important to increase partnership and step up advocacy to all parts of the Country to reduce their vulnerability.”

  • How tech deployment tackles challenges, by NiMet boss Anosike

    How tech deployment tackles challenges, by NiMet boss Anosike

    • Agency to collaborate with NCDC on disease control, others

    The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has said the successes recorded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that technology could be deployed to solve societal problems.

    Anosike said this in Abuja while hosting NCDC’s Director General, Dr. Olajide Idris.

    The meeting enabled the heads of the two agencies to discuss a wide-range of issues, including identifying areas for collaboration, such as early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases and public health threats as well as how climate data could be integrated into disease prediction models.

    They also examined the impact of weather and climate on disease outbreaks, including climate change, vector-borne and water-borne diseases.

    The two agency bosses discussed a framework for regular data exchange and analysis to inform public health decisions and potential proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for data sharing and joint research.

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    Idris noted that with climate change impacting health services delivery nationally and globally, it was important to partner NiMet, which already had data on the phenomenon.

    “It’s a good thing that NiMet has been working with the NCDC over the years. We only need to make the collaboration stronger,” he said.

    Anosike said the time had come for both agencies to have a stronger collaboration.

    “Everyone of us is vulnerable to climate change. NiMet will look into all the areas identified, including sharing of data and developing a draft MoU. Every year, NiMet presents its Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which is an early warning tool. What is happening nationwide has been predicted.

    “We issue three and seven days, one-month, three months, and daily forecasts. The impact of climate change is real all over the world. We are alerting the various states. Each state should set up its processes to manage the flooding and other arising issues,” he said.

  • NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, rains from Tuesday

    NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, rains from Tuesday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainy weather conditions from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.

    NiMet`s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja forecast thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa and Kaduna states during the morning hours on Tuesday.

    According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region later in the day.

    “In the North Central region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states during the morning hours.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.

    “ In the southern region, there are prospects of moderate rains over parts of Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

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    “Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.

    The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states in the Wednesday `s morning hours.

    According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states later in the day.

    “In the North Central region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger and Kwara states during the morning hours.

    “ While in the afternoon into evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states .

    “ In the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Edo, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

    “Progressing into the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region,” it said.

    NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa States in the Thursday`s morning period.

    The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states later in the day while thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “In the southern region, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa states in the morning hours,” it said.

    NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.

    It advised public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

    “Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

    “ Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website,” it said

    (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

  • NiMet to upgrade, launch 4K weather presentation tools

    NiMet to upgrade, launch 4K weather presentation tools

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has announced plans to upgrade its weather presentation infrastructure to cutting-edge 4K resolution.

    The initiative, which would be launched in November, is being implemented in partnership with global technology leader, Chyron.

    The initiative is expected to enhance NiMet’s weather presentation capabilities.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the agency said it would integrate Chyron’s state-of-the-art weather presentation solutions, enhanced processing power, dynamic real-time graphics, and high-definition displays to its broadcasts.

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    It explained that the move to 4K resolution was meant to give Nigerians sharper, more detailed visuals, and access to superior clear, accurate, and reliable weather data.

    The statement added that the upgrade formed part of the strategic vision of NiMet’s management under Prof. Charles Anosike to reposition the agency.

    “The current management is focused on modernising the agency’s operational framework to meet international standards, utilising cutting-edge technology to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and visual clarity of weather forecasts, which are critical to sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and public safety,” it said.

  • NiMet to upgrade, launch weather presentation infrastructure 

    NiMet to upgrade, launch weather presentation infrastructure 

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has disclosed plans to upgrade its weather presentation infrastructure to cutting-edge 4K resolution.

    The initiative which would be launched in November 2024 is being implemented in partnership with global technology leader Chyron.

    The initiative when launched is expected to enhance NiMet’s weather presentation capabilities.

    A statement in Abuja on Sunday by the Agency stated that NiMet will integrate Chyron’s state-of-the-art weather presentation solutions, enhanced processing power, dynamic real-time graphics, and high-definition displays to its broadcasts.

    It explained that the move to 4K resolution will ensure sharper, more detailed visuals, and give Nigerians access to superior clear, accurate, and reliable weather data.

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    The statement added that the upgrade forms part of the strategic vision of NiMet’s management under the leadership of the Director General Prof. Charles Anosike to reposition the agency. 

    “The current management is focused on modernising the agency’s operational framework to meet international standards, utilizing cutting-edge technology to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and visual clarity of weather forecasts, which are critical to sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and public safety.

    “The project is also a testament to Prof. Anosike’s focus on innovation and excellence in delivering vital meteorological services that meet the growing needs of various sectors and stakeholders.”