All Posts in "Aviation"

IRC seeks to extend, expand  MOU with NiMet after success

CAPTION:
L-Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu and the International Rescue Committee Governance Coordinator, Dorcas Kingsley David during the meeting in Abuja
By Favour Nnabugwu
After the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the  Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), , the International Rescue Committee (IRC),, has proposed to expand and extend the scope and duration of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations
This was disclosed during  a courtesy visit by the IRC team to the NiMet Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday.
The International Rescue Committee Team, which was led by the IRC Governance Coordinator, Dorcas Kingsley David, in her remarks explained that IRC and NiMet had previously signed a one-year MoU on a project that recorded great success in Yola, Adamawa State, and following the critical role played by NiMet in attaining this feat, IRC was prompted to seek for a broad ranging Memorandum of Understanding whereby NiMet and IRC can have a long-term partnership on the provision of weather and climate services as well as help design  projects targeted at mitigating climate disasters and enhancing early warning for communities across Nigeria.
 Expressing further the aim of the intending MoU between IRC and NiMet, the Governance Coordinator said that the collaboration will enable access to rainfall data, develop a trigger system for rainfall and rainfall intensity alert, flood forecast and subsequent provision of early warning alert to communities.
The Director General of NiMet Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu who was represented by the Director of Applied Meteorological Services, Prof. Charles Anosike disclosed that NiMet has an established interest in private public partnership and has been collaborating with various stakeholders to provide climate services that is tailor made to enhance sustainable development as well as improve the socio-economic well-being of the Nation.
Prof. Matazu also noted that the expansion of the MoU is an essential development as it enables NiMet and IRC to extend their reach and build a community that is weather smart as well as implement policies and services that can mitigate climate disaster.
Concluding his remark, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, commended the effort of the International Rescue Committee on her strategic action plan to curb climate disaster and reiterates that NiMet is committed to providing quality, accurate and timely climate advisories geared towards the support of human development as well as create awareness on the socio economic impacts of climate and weather on different sectors of the nation’s economy.
Patoma Admin by — April 27, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMet renounces NLSRC on Lightning across Nigeria

By Favour Nnabugwu
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has disclaimed unauthorized the action of the Nigerian Lightning Safety and Research Center (NLSRC) alerting the public to the possibility of lightning strikes across Nigeria in the month of May, 2023.
NiMet wishes to inform the public that at no time did it authorize NLSRC to issue any such weather forecast to the public, as this is the statutory function of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
NiMet is statutorily mandated under Sections 7 (1) (a) and (i) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Establishment Act, 2022 (NiMet Act), to advise the Federal Government on ALL aspects of meteorology and to collect, process and disseminate ALL meteorological data and information within and outside Nigeria.
NiMet in a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, Mr. Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim also the SOLE AUTHORITY to prescribe and issue the meteorological data and information required for all sectoral activities in Nigeria (Section 7(2)).
Further to the above stated provisions, any person who collects, uses or disseminates weather forecast or any other meteorological information obtained from any other source outside the approval, licence or authority of the Agency for commercial or public purpose, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment or both (Section 30 (2) of the NiMet Act).
Consequently, the public is hereby advised to totally discountenance the information issued/disseminated by the NLSRC as stated above, as well as any meteorological information issued or to be issued by this body or from any source outside of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency or the Agency’s approval/authorization.
NiMet is not responsible or liable in any way for any consequence(s) resulting from reliance or acting upon the said weather information issued by NLSRC or any meteorological/weather information obtained from any source outside of its approval/authorization.
The public is hereby advised to obtain all weather related information/warning from NiMet Headquarters Abuja, NiMet official website @ www.nimet.gov.ng, any duly authorised publication or any NiMet licensed/authorized body, in line with the requirements of the law, as this will help ensure the accuracy and reliability of such information.
The public is further advised to promptly report any observed unauthorized dissemination of weather/meteorological information to the Agency through the office of the Director General/CEO or send an Email to info@nimet.gov.ng.
Patoma Admin by — April 24, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMeT warns public against FB, What app, LinkedIn, emails, phone numbers for DG, Prof Matazu

By Favour Nnabugwu
The management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet) has dissociate itself from the Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, email, phone numbers create on behalf it’s Director-General, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu and warned unsuspecting public against such accounts.
This is to notify the general public that some unscrupulous persons have created fake Facebook, WhatsApp,  LinkedIn  accounts as well as email and phone numbers for the Director General/CEO of  Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu and have been using such to defraud the innocent unsuspecting public.
NiMeT in a statement singed by the General Manager of Public Relations Department, Mallam Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, advised the public against falling prey to such accounts by unscrupulous elements for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
“The general public is therefore advised to be careful of these people.
Any enquires should be directed through our website or using our mail, info@nimet.gov.ng”
While pledging our continuous services, to stakeholders and the general public, we  assure you that the relevant security agencies have been notified and are on the trail of those committing this act. They will soon be caught and made to face the wrath of the law.
Patoma Admin by — April 12, 2023 in Aviation 0
DG NiMet, Mansur Bako Matazu now a governing board member of NOSDRA

By Favour Nnabugwu
 
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, ((NiMet), Prof Mansur Bako Matazu has been appointed as member of the Governing Board of National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA).
The approval was contained in a letter  to the Honourable Minister of Environment, signed on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation by the Director ( Human Resource Management) of the Ministry of Aviation.
” I am directed to refer to your letter No FMENV/PRS/1782/1/18 dated 29th March, 2023 on the above subject and convey the approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu to serve on the Governing Board of the National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA).” The letter reads.
By this appointment, Prof. Matazu is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear.
Patoma Admin by — April 8, 2023 in Aviation 0
UN-OCHA collaborates with NiMeT on humanitarian

CAPTION:
L-Director-General of the the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof Mansur Bako Matazu and Head of Office for Nigeria of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Trond Jensen
By Favour Nnabugwu
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) has expressed interest to work with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This was made known when a team from the UN body paid a courtesy visit to the NiMet headquarters yesterday.
Speaking on the purpose of their visit the leader of the team and Head of Office for Nigeria, Trond Jensen said he was impressed by the analysis and the work that NiMet is doing that the purpose of the visit is to continue it’s advocacy efforts to enhance the urgency, efficiency, and quality of humanitarian response in the north east states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
“One of the things we want to do this year together with the government Institutions that we are working with is to be better prepared for the rainy season this year”.
He noted that last year was a national disaster in terms of the extent and impact of the flooding, also in terms of the damage to infrastructure.
Mr Jensen emphasized that their desire is to work more closely with NiMet.
” We want to work more closely with you in terms of understanding what might happen this year, compared to last year and how we can work better, working with you in terms of preparedness, in terms of anticipatory action where your input is actually critical for us to understand how the inclement weather would impact on the humanitarian work”. He said.
Responding the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu observed that both organisations have a common goal and the  convergence of providing early warning for all.
He explained that NiMet has achieved certain level of leadership role in the continent based on the provision of climate services from co-generation to effective dissemination and getting feedbacks within the value chain.
Prof. Matazu revealed further that based on this,  NiMet provides daily weather forecast to Liberia, and Sierra Leone as part of the World Meteorological Organisation VCP programme which has been on for almost seven years to date.
He disclosed that ” We are also implementing the WMO SOFF project, we are peer reviewing Liberia and Burkina Faso, Liberia we are doing that alone but with Burkina Faso we are peering with Spanish Met Service. We also want to apply for the second stage to peer review one or two other African states”. He said.
Prof. Matazu revealed that by doing some of these projects NiMet has gained experience to be able to do some of its own national mandate while partnering with some Ministries , Departments and Agencies.
Prof. Matazu said  NiMet is flexible and willing to work with the UN body and assured that ” if we get details of your target location and elements of interest, we can come up with some products specifically for your usage and we can get it relayed to you electronically or we can create a segment in our App, NiMet weather App that can be downloaded from the playstore.
Patoma Admin by — April 8, 2023 in Aviation 0
NIPSS, NiMET tightens knot on research

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)  have tightened their not on research.

This was made known by the team leader of the Senior Executive Course 45 of the institute, Dr. Emmanuel Sambo Mamman when they visited NiMet headquarters yesterday.

Dr. Emmanuel Sambo Mamman who doubles as the Institute’s librarian, highlighted the functions of the NIPSS and it’s activities, describing the institute as the centre for research and dialogue for academics and policy makers also added that participants are drawn from the public and private sectors of Nigeria.and converge annually in order to solve problems of Nigerian society.

Dr. Mamman revealed that the Senior Executive Course programme is the flagship programme of the institute and runs for ten months. He explained that the programme is driven by a theme given by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria every year and the theme for this year is Industrialization, Climate Change and Energy Security in Nigeria with emphasis on Issues, Challenges and Prospects.

On their purpose for the visit
“We are here because we think your organisation is strategic to the theme for the set of 2023”.

He said the participants are expected to conduct a research and their reason for coming is to gather information for the research after which the participants will produce a final report which would be presented to the President.

In his remarks, the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu described NiMet as an extension of the University because “Our main duty is to collect, collate and produce products and services in all socio economic sectors of Nigeria that are climate induced or influenced”.

He added that almost all the socio economic sectors are climate induced or influenced and this shows how relevant NiMet services are to the existence of this country. Adding that the agency has data dating as far back as 100 years.

Explaining further Prof. Matazu cited how the intervention of NiMet saved CBN about N120 billion because they adhered to NiMet’s weather advisory.

Part of the visit include presentations by Prof Matazu and by the Director Research and Training in NiMet, Prof. Effiom Essien Oku.  The participants were later taken on a tour of NiMet facility.

Patoma Admin by — April 4, 2023 in Aviation 0
Temperature to rise above 40 o.C  in next 48 hours, NiMet warns of discomfort in FCT, 4 others

By Favour Nnabugwu
 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet has warned of possible rise in temperature to above 40 degrees in the next next 48 hours in FCT, Kwara,Oyo Nasarawa and Benue which may lead to thermal discomfort.

Thermal discomfort is not just a lack of satisfaction with the ambient temperature but. reflects a situation where there is a potential threat to health, that is  when the temperature falls below 18 o.C or rise above 24. .

Also some States including Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to rise above 40 o C in the next two days.

The Agency in a statement signed by the General Manager Public Relations,Mr. Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim,  said that observations from the source region indicates that temperature is expected to rise above 40 degrees in the next 48 hours.

The Agency therefore advise people in these locations to drink a lot of fluid through this period.

NiMet said, “Parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to record temperatures greater than 40°C. While most parts of the Northern cities are expected to record temperatures between 35°C to 40°C, this includes parts of Oyo, Kwara, FCT, Nasarawa, and Benue”. It reads.

The statement further warned that cities like Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Yola are at risk of experiencing high thermal discomfort, while the following days, parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa are expected to experience temperatures greater than 40°C.

NiMet assures of continuous monitoring of the weather and update Nigerians accordingly

Patoma Admin by — March 26, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMet urges over 187 members, 6 member territories to operate common vision, goals

By Favour Nnabugwu
 
In the celebration of the World Metorologic Al Organisation, the Director- General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet,  Prof Mansur Bako Matazu appealed to the over187 Member States and 6 Member Territories, of the large house to operate with common vision and goals.
 The WMO with the theme for 2023 is “The future of weather, climate and water across generations”  said that Nigeria joined them in the Organisation’s celebration of World Meteorological Day
“The World Meteorological Day therefore, offers opportunity for member countries to converge ideas and resources; and align in one common thematic area”
He said that the agency ensure to bring young people into the agency and as such, “I therefore encourage us as institutions and individuals to invest in our future generations, creating awareness on the dangers of climate change such as extreme weather and loss of livelihoods; and providing opportunities for them to proffer solutions thereby making the World a safer place for All. We must catch them young.”
“We have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several universities in Nigeria to promote the science of meteorology within the academic institutions at tertiary level.To support national and regional development, “
“Over the years, society as well as science has evolved. Technology has allowed us to modernise the way activities are conducted in a more concise and efficient manner.”
“We have witnessed the transition from an analogue society to a digital one, and the evolvement is expected to continue. In the same way, the world climate has transited from variability to change while variability still continues within different climate environment.”
NiMet, Matazu had continued to render services in support of aviation, agriculture, construction, tourism, defence, water resources management, telecommunications, environment, communications, etc.
Also speaking, the WMO representative in North, Central and West Africa, Dr Bernard Gomez said the WMO anniversary also serves extreme, our ocean is as a reminder of our changing climate.
“Our weather is more warmer and more acidic, and sea levels have risen. Cyclone Freddy in southern Africa which claimed over 200 lives and caused significant damage to property, is astark reminder of the threat from the climate system.
He recalled that in 2022, Nigeria lost over 600 lives due to unprecedented flooding.
“The rate of change is accelerating. and we need urgent action now to slash emissions and to ensure that future generations can both survive and thrive on our planet”
“The good news is that rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Therefore, no one should be left
behind, regarding access to weather and climate information’
While appraising the feats of NiMet, Gomez posited that NiMet has done well in developing business ventures with partners
To improve the quality and availability of Earth observation data, WMO, other UN Agencies and Partners have established the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) programme to support least developed countries to bridge gaps in the generation and provision of weather and climate information and services.
“I am pleased to note that NiMet has signed an MoU with the SOFF Secretariat as one of the technical partners that will support some countries participating in the SOFF programme. This is indeed a testament to NiMet’s growing capacity and professionalism within the global
community.”
He said, “To improve the quality and availability of Earth observation data, WMO, other UN Agencies and Partners have established the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) programme to support least developed countries to bridge gaps in the generation and provision of weather and climate information and services”
“This is indeed a testament to NiMet’s growing capacity and professionalism within the global community”.
Patoma Admin by — March 23, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMet warns Nigerians, pilots against thunderstorm, other hazardous weather as rainy begins

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned Nigerians and pilots to be cautious of thunderstorms and other hazardous weather events as rainy season begins in earnest

In a statement signed by General Manger, Pubkic Relations, Mr. Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the Agency said the the warning is in line with the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction made by the Agency in January this year.

“NiMet predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long-term average in most parts of the country during the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The onset is expected to start from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom in early March, progressively followed by the inland states and the Central states.”.

The statement noted that the recent thunderstorms recorded over parts of the coastal and inland states showed that the Agency’s prediction is on-point, reliable and accurate.

NiMet further cautioned that for areas where thunderstorms are expected, this weather hazard can cause significant disruptions, stressing that thunderstorms can lead to turbulence, lightning strikes, strong winds, heavy rainfall, down draught, microburst, and hailstones.

“All of these pose significant threats to safety of lives and property. The effects of thunderstorms are more hazardous to aviation industry, particularly the aircraft operations and passengers.

“Thunderstorms can also cause delays, diversion and cancellations of flights, as aircraft are often grounded in the face of severe weather”.

The Agency assures pilots the aviation industry and airport users that it has installed weather monitoring systems, thunder detectors, satellite receiving ground-stations and Automatic Weather System (AWS) across the airports (and other stations) nationwide as a measure to mitigate the effects of thunderstorms to the aviation industry.

The Agency has also developed a variety of products and services to help track the thunderstorms and its attendant hazards. The Pilot Briefing Rooms are always available for Services, it noted.

NiMet therefore advises all Pilots and Airline Operators to exercise caution during flight operations (during this adverse weather) due to the commencement of the rainy season.

The rains which are currently prevalent in the Southern parts of Nigeria and occasionally around the Central States, are usually accompanied by severe thunderstorms which are bound to affect air navigation. The Agency reiterated.

NiMet therefore enjoins Pilots/Flight Crew members to obtain adequate departure, enroute and destination weather information and briefing from NiMet offices prior to flight operations for effective planning in their air navigation operations.

Patoma Admin by — March 11, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMet DG now member of Scientific, Academic Advisory Board of AGRHYMET

By Favour Nnabugwu

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The Director General /CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu has been selected into the Scientific and Academic Advisory Board of the AGRHYMET Regional Center, Regional Climate Center for West Africa and the Sahel (RCC-WAS), a specialized institution of the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).

A statement Signed: Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the General Manager, Public Relations said the selection is based on Prof. Matazu’s scientific and professional background.

The appointment was contained in a letter dated February 9th, 2023 and signed by the Director General of the Center, Dr. Mahalmoudou Hamadoun.

” Given your scientific and professional background, I would like to invite you to accept to be a member of our Scientific and Academic Advisory Board as an expert at Climate and Hydroclimatic risks in the Sub-committees 2 (CLIMAT)”. The letter reads.

In a congratulatory letter signed by the Director Human Resource Management, Mrs. Nwokocha N.M, on behalf of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Ministry hoped that the selection by the international body will spur Prof. Matazu into making further contributions in the field of Climate and Hydroclimatic discourses to the benefit of humanity and global knowledge expansion.
The Scientific and Academic Advisory Board was established since 2001 and meets regularly to evaluate and provide advice on the training and operational research activities carried out by its staff. 

The Board which is composed of renowned scientists from West Africa, Europe, and North America who have worked in disciplines of interest to the Center, have members sit on the board for four years/sessions after which they are replaced.

Patoma Admin by — March 10, 2023 in Aviation 0