In a joint collaborative endeavor aimed at enhancing meteorological service delivery, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have orchestrated a comprehensive 5-day workshop focused on advancing the understanding and utilization of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and its application in climate services. The workshop, titled “Elevating Numerical Weather Prediction for Operational Forecasting in Nigeria,” is being hosted at NiMet’s headquarters in Abuja. Its primary objective is to equip participants with essential tools and expertise within the realm of NWP.
At the commencement of the workshop, Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, the Director General/CEO of NiMet, conveyed his excitement and noted the exceptional nature of this training in bringing together NiMet and WMO to enhance the skill set of the Agency’s technical personnel. Emphasizing NiMet’s pivotal role in supporting the nation’s sustainable development, Professor Matazu highlighted the array of services offered by the Agency. These services encompass public weather forecasts catering to various stakeholders, government support services, critical data supply to policymakers, and customized services tailored to specific sectors of the national economy. He also underlined NiMet’s extended influence, which spans beyond Nigeria’s borders to include African nations such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia, Niger, and others, for which it provides daily weather forecasts.
Professor Matazu underscored the critical role that NiMet’s proficient staff plays in generating these services, stressing the need to fortify their capabilities in effectively harnessing Numerical Weather Prediction tools. The training is designed to bolster staff productivity and enhance service quality, he explained.
Concluding his address, Professor Matazu applauded the World Meteorological Organization for spearheading this impactful initiative. He encouraged participants to seize this opportunity to elevate their proficiency in Numerical Weather Prediction, which, he believed, would pave the way for the development of innovative meteorological products and services, ultimately amplifying NiMet’s global meteorological contributions.
In his commentary, the training’s featured expert, Mr. Kyung Jeen Park, who is seconded from the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) to WMO’s Education and Training (ETR) department in Geneva, commended NiMet for its precise forecasts. He underscored the workshop’s significance in shedding light on the novel meteorological products and services produced by the Numerical Weather Prediction Unit, along with their usage and interpretation. Mr. Park affirmed that the training would significantly enhance participants’ expertise and NiMet’s overall efficiency.
The collaboration between NiMet and WMO stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both organizations to advancing meteorological capabilities and ensuring the dissemination of accurate and invaluable weather information worldwide.
