Sirika lauds NiMet over efficient use of resources, innovation

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said through efficient utilization of scarce resources, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has achieved significant weather forecast infrastructure and accurate weather prediction capability in Nigeria.

Sirika also said through effective leadership, NiMet has been able to develop high impacts products as well as also help provide capacities to other African countries, especially within the sub-region.

Sirika stated this during the 76th session of the World Meteorology Organisation (WMO) Executive Council held at the WMO Headquarters, in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday.

He also indicated that the agency has achieved that much because of the effective political support which he has provided for about eight years as Minister of Aviation.

“During my time, NiMet has grown in size, visibility, and relevance, not only in Nigerian but in the region and indeed globally,” he said.

He said new products have been introduced by the agency. “These include Seasonal Climate Prediction (including its summary for policy makers and translated version), the State of the Climate in Nigeria, Climate and Health Bulletin, Hydrometeorological bulletin, Extreme Weather Events Bulletin, Marine meteorological bulletin, 3-day Impact based Forecast and many more on different timescales and validity.”

He said NiMet has provided interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Malawi in terms of capacity building, technical assistance, quality management systems, and competency framework.