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BY OLAPEJU OLUBI

To enhance its operational efficiency and service delivery, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), recently hosted a high-level team from Vaisala of Finland and Meteo France International (MFI) of France to fine-tune areas of collaboration.

The three-day working visit is part of NiMet’s ongoing efforts to modernise its infrastructure and boost its capacity to provide end-to-end meteorological services across Nigeria.

The team from Vaisala included James Gadiner, Kimmo Ristolainen, and Vesa Koivula, while Alexandre Bonnes represented MFI.

The visit follows earlier discussions in June 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, where senior officials from both firms met with NiMet’s leadership on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the WMO Executive Council (EC).

The visit also comes on the heels of a high-profile delegation led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, amplifying the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s meteorological capabilities.

During the visit, the NiMET Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasised the need to address the gaps in observation infrastructure and integrate advanced solutions for improved service delivery.

“NiMet aims to leverage the expertise and technological advancements of both Vaisala and MFI to close observation gaps in Nigeria. Our focus is on integrated radar solutions, aviation Automatic Weather Observation Systems (AWOS), and other key areas.

“The goal is to ensure not only that weather and climate data are effectively observed but also that we have a seamless, integrated system for information sharing and last-mile dissemination of meteorological data, which will have a significant socio-economic impact,” Anosike explained.

He further noted that the outcome of the visit would inform the development of a comprehensive ‘Design, Build, and Operate’ project proposal.

This proposal will incorporate capacity-building initiatives and sustainable plans to ensure long-term efficiency and success.

The collaboration is expected to revolutionize NiMet’s operations by providing the tools needed to deliver real-time, accurate meteorological information to support industries such as aviation, agriculture, and disaster management, thereby enhancing national economic growth.

Commending NiMet’s staff for their dedication and innovative spirit, Prof. Anosike reassured them of the agency’s commitment to improving workplace infrastructure, systems, and overall work environment.

He stressed that these improvements are essential for boosting job satisfaction and ensuring the efficient delivery of critical meteorological services.

As part of the visit, the team from Vaisala and MFI toured NiMet’s existing facilities within Abuja, interacting with operational officers across the agency’s various technical directorates.

This hands-on assessment allowed the visiting experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of NiMet’s current infrastructure and operations.

The exchange of ideas and expertise during these interactions is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s meteorological services.

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