It is a great honour to be part of this important occasion of the Public Presentation of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This is an affirmation of the serious commitment of NiMet towards its mandate of Climate Services Delivery to the Nigerian public. Itis on record that weather and climatic elements impact heavily on and play a vital role in all forms of human activities and across socio-economic sectors.
I am glad to say that hydro-meteorological information from NiMet has continued to play a vital role in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Response plans of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) has over the years become a veritable tool that enables NEMA to conduct Expert Analysis of the predictions and produce Climate – Related Risk Management Implications in respect to climate sensitive sectors of the economy. This have served as disaster early warning messages for delivery to emergency responders to support the protection of lives, critical national assets and the entire cultural landscape in Nigeria. NEMA — NIMET partnership in disaster risk management and the building of national resilience has continue to grow from strength to strength.
After this event, NEMA will be bringing together Technical Experts from NiMet and other relevant Agencies to analyze the Disaster Risk Implication of the SCP and develop necessary advisories to guide all NEMA partners to mitigate losses from disaster across the nation. The negative impacts of the recurring flood disaster in Nigeria could have been more devastating without the early warning information developed by NiMet’s SCP and downscaled to various end-user Agencies and the general public.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to state that the prevailing flood disaster in Nigeria is beckoning on us all to intensify our inter-Agency collaboration to mitigate the impacts of hydrometeorological hazards in the country. I commend the management of NIMET and all those scientists that have worked assiduously to produce the 2024 SCP at the right time to enable NEMA and numerous other partners to begin their Annual Work Plans early in the year.
I want to also use this opportunity to congratulate the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo ; SAN and Professor Charles Anosike, Director General, NiMet for once again accomplishing this noble feat. I look forward to working together with all partners to enable us develop accurate, clear and user friendly disaster early warning messages and to make sure that the messages are matched with actions for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Thank you all and God bless!
