Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, yesterday, said it has become imperative that weather and climate information are not only accurate but also produced and disseminated early to Nigerians.
To this end, he called for early release of weather forecasts to combat climate challenges in the country.
The minister made the call at the closing ceremony of a 5-day event to communicate the outcome of the 2024 edition of the regional climate forum for West Africa and the Sahel.
Keyamo in his address in Abuja, said he was pleased and honoured to be a part of the gathering of scientists, stating: “Over the past few days, experts, researchers, and the best minds in meteorology and climate sciences from across the West African sub-region and the Sahel have dedicated their energy and intellect to developing a comprehensive forecast for the region, targeting the coming rainy season.”
These experts, Keyamo said, “have had discussions and have analysed the prevailing climatic conditions of our region and their potential impact in the coming season. Today, we are not only here to communicate the outcome of their hard work but also to celebrate these men and women who have worked assiduously to ensure the success of this forum.
“The outcome of the regional climate outlook forum for West Africa and the Sahel is a great planning tool for governments and policymakers across the region. Therefore, we are very aware of the great challenge of the 21st Century, climate change, extreme weather events and food security to mention a few.”
According to Keyamo, It is based on this that the Nigerian Government deemed it fit to provide all the necessary support through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and AGRHYMET Regional Centre to host this year’s forum here in Abuja.
Nigeria, like most countries in the region, he explained, is also affected by the devastating effects of extreme weather and climate events. “We are presently experiencing extreme temperatures and heat stress in most parts of the country.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken seriously the issuance of Early Warnings for its citizenry to de-risk sectoral activities and avert losses. Just as the general airspace is a continuum in aviation, weather and climate events are also transboundary, hence the need for us to work together irrespective of boundaries.”
Speaking further, he maintained that in keeping with Nigeria commitment to support regional efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and encourage weather and climate-smart sustainable development, “the Government of Nigeria will continue to support regional efforts, such as the successful hosting of this year’s regional climate outlook forum, in ensuring socio-economic development of the people.
“As we settle down to listen and discuss the details of the forecast produced for West Africa and the Sahel Region for the 2024 rainy season, my message is that as we return home to our various countries with the information and forecast from this year’s forum, we should ensure that these products don’t end up inside the shiny offices in our capital cities.
“The real work of downscaling them to our local and rural communities just started. This is the only way the United Nations’ target of Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) by 2027 can be met,” Keyamo said.
