The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) have signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a joint action to boost maritime weather observation, early warnings and capacity building (focusing on marine meteorology) for member states of MOWCA.
This formed part of the agreement signed by NiMet and MOWCA in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike said NiMet will also leverage MOWCA’s mandate and reach to enhance its service delivery, adding: “Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is the authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of Nigeria’s atmosphere and its interaction with all aspects of the economy.
“NiMet regulates and advises the Nigerian government on all aspects of meteorology towards sustainable economic development. As weather, climate, and water cycles cannot be controlled by a country, international cooperation is essential for the development of meteorology.”
Continuing, Prof. Anosike said: “We share common problems of maritime safety and security, and pollution of maritime waters as the West and Central African region is largely dependent on maritime transport. Therefore, the safety of maritime operations demands that weather information be broadcast to ships twice a day as stipulated by the SOLAS convention and the World Meteorological Organization.
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“This information includes quality data, analysis, warnings, and weather forecasts. Improving the collection and regional exchange of ocean-based observational data will deliver additional socioeconomic benefits to our region.
“Investment in ocean observation infrastructure and capacity development is highly needed to ensure that weather information provided covers all shipping lines and fishing grounds in MOWCA member states.”
Anosike, who said the partnership presents opportunities for both parties to collaborate and promote compliance with the SOLAS convention, requested robust funding support for ocean observation infrastructure to enhance regional maritime weather information sharing across member states.
Responding, Secretary-General of MOWCA, Dr. Paul Adalikwu acknowledged that NiMet has been doing a good job providing weather and climate information for the maritime and other sectors.
His words: “The role of meteorological agencies in maritime operations cannot be overemphasized as they are essential in delivering precise weather forecasts and timely warnings, which significantly enhance the safety of vessels by predicting storms, tides and sea conditions.
“Considering the volume of vessels that pass through Nigerian waterways, it’s very important that we partner with NiMet and so should other stakeholders in the maritime sector too. We have listened to NiMet’s presentation and are impressed by it.
“We will escalate the issues raised as well as the services that NiMet offers to our member-states and encourage them to take advantage of the best practices that Nigeria has to offer.”
