NiMET invests over N2b to procure meteorological facilities for the marine sector, commences installation
The Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, Prof. Mansur Matazu says, the agency has planned to execute projects in the marine sector to the tune of over N2 billion over the next two years.
The projects he said, is geared towards improving the marine meteorological programmes and activities.
Speaking with aviation reporters in Lagos, the NiMET DG explained that, they had made lots of progress in the marine forecasting services with the acquisition and ready to install automatic weather display system along the coaster waters.
He said, they were also in the process of procuring marine ocean buoying for its six marine stations.
“These projects have the potential to ward off the acquisition of such services from foreign providers, which is the prevailing practice, thus improving on the country’s security and strengthening its capacity to deliver in line with Local Content Act”.
Prof. Matazu stated that, these facilities would go along way in reducing the vulnerability events along the coaster waters.
“Especially in severe weather along the coaster waters for smooth operations of the shipping industry in the country, regular weather information especially of marine meteorological elements, are critical to enhancing the safety and sustainability of operations for ships and ocean-going vessels”.
According to him, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) had seen the need for an effective collaboration.
And this collaboration he said was, geared towards meeting standards set by the world Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in enhancing the capacities of both agencies to provide relevant tools for maritime security, effective service delivery and sustainable development of the marine environment.
