The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has said that its forecasts on flooding were ignored by most state governments in the country.
Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General of NiMET stated these on Monday in Lagos during the commencement of the two days ‘Needs Assessment Workshop for Stakeholders in the Maritime, Oil and Gas Sector.
He was represented at the occasion by Engr. Mailadi Abba, the Director, Weather Forecasting Services, NiMET.
He stated that the agency had issued early warning on the possibility of floods across most states of the country before the commencement of the rainfall, but lamented that the warnings were disregarded by most stakeholders.
He maintained that if the warnings had been adhered to, the level of havoc caused would have reduced, while the losses would also be curbed.
He declared that NiMET weather predictions are almost perfect and called on all stakeholders and state governments to always endeavour to adhere to its warnings.
He said its accurate weather predictions in the aviation industry have helped to drastically reduce the rate of air accidents attributed to weather issues.
According to him,the same safety heights recorded in the aviation sector, NiMET intended to replicate such in the maritime sector, stressing that this could be achieved through partnerships with stakeholders in the industry.
He added:“We gave the warnings and weather for each state, but whether the states adhered to it or not, we are now seeing the end result. Most of them did not adhere, but unfortunately it was only when the flood came that many states were now running to Mr. President cap in hand to get money.
“If they had listened to us, some of these things would have been avoided. We asked them to invite us and gather their stakeholders to allow us to train them on the use of the information and engage with them so that we can have a window by which we can interact with them; giving them updates, reminding them about what the forecasts say.
“But, unfortunately, they didn’t come forth to take the information to their grassroots members. It is only when the flood came that everyone is now calling for relief funds. So, our information is accurate, reliable and timely. So, I don’t think we are going to have any issue of accidents due to weather forecasts. You may have some gaps not necessarily from NiMET, but from the user itself.
“In the aviation sector, accidents due to weather are reduced If not totally eliminated. This is the kind of service that we want to deliver to the marine sector. So, our information is accurate, reliable and timely. So, I don’t think we are going to have any issue of accidents due to weather forecasts. You may have some gaps not necessarily from NiMET, but from the user itself.”
He decried the vandalism of NiMET equipment at airports and stations, especially at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, saying that the agency was collaborating with security agencies to address the situation.
“We install our facilities so that we can get information, but some people vandalise them and we are not the security outfits at the airport. But, after the meeting with the security agencies, I think it is going to reduce,” he promised.
Speaking,Mr. Wilfred Idowu, the Technical Assistant to the Director-General, NiMET, noted that the agency had built infrastructure, acquired International certifications
and improved competency over the years.
He added that NiMET offers services to telecommunications, health, power & energy, building & construction, aviation, oil & gas, agriculture, water resources, marine & maritime, education, defence, finance and insurance among others.