From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaboration in weather forecasting and climate research has been signed between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In the framework, NiMet is to provide meteorological services for NIMASA to improve the welfare of seafarers and safety of navigation of vessels in Nigerian territorial waters, in line with the recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Speaking on the MoU, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, expressed confidence that NIMASA’s forecast for maritime safety and security through NiMet would not only improve safety of navigation in Nigerian waters but also greatly enhance the confidence of the international community in the Nigerian maritime sector.
“The objective of the MoU between NIMASA and NiMet is to enhance the capacity of both agencies with a view to providing relevant meteorological services to seafarers and ocean-going vessels,” Jamoh explained in a statement from the Assistant Director, Public Relations, Osagie Edward.
This “will allow sustainable development of the marine environment and delivery of products and services to the various sectors related to maritime safety, security, marine environment protection and other maritime activities.
“It is clear that the collaboration between NIMASA and NiMet will help the maritime sector fill the gaps earlier identified by the International Maritime Organisation during its last audit of the country’s maritime space.”
Also, the Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, assured that the maritime industry would soon benefit from the partnership in the same way the aviation sector has been benefiting from NiMet’s services.
According to him, “recently, Nimet invested over N720 million in equipment for maritime services. We are fully ready to make our services count in the maritime sector and are sure that the maritime community globally is proud of this Nigerian initiative.”
As part of the MoU, NIMASA undertakes to provide the mechanism for the dissemination of marine meteorological information to seafarers, provide for calibration, consultancy and certification of instruments and equipment, as well as ensure periodic training of staff engaged in meteorological observation.
