Environment
NiMET Promises Quality Weather Forecast In Nigeria
The Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Matazu says the agency is ready to advance its quality management system to improve the weather forecast across the nation.
Matazu said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said, such efforts in advancing quality of management system with relevant training will enhance the weather prediction accuracy and precision.
“The agency is exposing its operations to improved quality management systems and even traansforming to Safety Management Systems (SMS) across all its operations in the country.
“NiMet is striving to do more and is open to assist other Ministries,Departments and Agencies (MDA)s of government to pass through this process,” he said.
On the International Standard Organisation (ISO) Certification recently acquired by NiMet, Matazu explained that a rigorous quality management audit was followed.
According to him, NiMet has acquired the recertification of the International Standard Organisation ISO 9001:2015 and the International Standard Organization ISO 29990:2010 for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services.
“Also, for the capacity building at it’s Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos and MBMIST in Katsina respectively.
“We took the challenge as far back as 2013 and we have been maintaining this 3 years certificate and we just acquired recertification of ISO 9001:2015 for aeronautical meteorological services in six major international airports.
“We are working hard to extend it to 10 more airports across the country, “ he said.
He further explained that the agency had acquired another recertification for ISO 29990:2010 for training, recertification and capacity training.
“Remember NiMet runs two training institutes like polytechnics, one in Lagos the RTC, which is a World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) accredited training centre .
“We also have the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST), which is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE) as a training centre in Katsina and offers Diploma.
“So, we have acquired ISO 29990:2010 for training on all aspects of meteorology, applied meteorology including climate change,” he explained.
He said NiMet was the first meteorological service on the African continent to have acquired the certification.
According to him, the agency is serving as an auditor for some African countries like Malawi and Gambia presently.
“It is of note that NiMet has also been approached by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to assist and guide them to acquire this certification.
“The implication of this recertification is like the stamp of standardisation of service delivery by an international organisation and gives a guarantee on the precision and efficiency of NiMe’s products and service,” he said.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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