NiMet to boost capacity of Niger, Gambia on accurate climate information

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has announced their plans to  boost capacity of Niger and the Gambia in weather forecast for safety and sustainable national socio-economic development.

NiMet`s Director-General, Prof. Mansur Matazu made this known in Abuja on Monday when he received a delegation from Niger and a team from the Gambia for a 10-day technical study visit.

Matazu said the outcome of the technical visit study would increase knowledge of the two teams to advance their countries on meteorology towards safety of lives and properties.

He said the teams would enjoy how NiMet experts observe Nigerian weather and climate to provide meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic services in support of national needs and international obligations.

“The two countries will learn experience in Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on Tuesday, weather prediction, issue of climate change impact mitigation and adaptation in Nigeria.

“in addition, we will share experience with our Niger team, specifically on database management and applied meteorology,

“For the Gambia team, we want to share ideas with them on impact based forecast feasibility and relevant,“ he said.

Niger team leader, Mr Katiellou Lawan, said his team would gain a lot from NiMet, from the reasonable experts and infrastructure of the agency.

“Africa is one. We just only have the physical boundaries. We have a lot to benefit from one another,“ he said.

The leader of the Gambian team, Mr Lamin Mai, who was the Director, Department of Water Resources of the Gambia, explained that the purpose of their visitation was to upgrade services in meteorology.

“We may have the tools, but we do not have the experts. NiMet will help us in capacity building,“ he stated.