8 Functions of Nimet in Nigeria

What are the Functions of Nimet in Nigeria? With its wide-ranging weather and climate services, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has a key role in protecting the country. By giving meteorological information and forecasts, NIMET aids various sectors like agriculture and aviation, ensuring that Nigerians are equipped to make correct decisions about their everyday lives.

Realizing the scope of NIMET’s responsibility informs one about how significant it is in guaranteeing national safety and economic stability thus affirming its relevance in the development process as well as preparedness strategies for Nigeria.

About Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, or NiMet, was created by the NiMet (Establishment) Act of 2003, which received its presidential approval on May 21st of that year and came into force on June 19th.

Working from a federal basis, NiMet monitors weather patterns to provide terrestrial meteorological advice to the government and interprets policies related to meteorological data and ensures prediction of all weather conditions necessary for smooth operation of any aircraft, marine vessels, and oil rigs.

In addition, NiMet collects meteorological information, processes it accordingly, and makes this available to others. The agency also conducts research among its personnel and publishes scientific papers in support of Nigeria’s long-term socioeconomic growth.

The Function of NiMet in Nigeria

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has many essential roles needed for climatic and weather administration in Nigeria. Outlined below are among its major functions:

1. Forecasting Weather

Individuals, companies and government agencies are enabled by NiMet to prepare for the weather conditions through accurate and timely weather forecasting. This includes daily, weekly, seasonal forecasts to facilitate decision-making as well as planning.

2. Climate Monitoring

Climate patterns are monitored and analyzed by the agency in order to grasp long-term weather alterations and trends. This helps determine climate variability and patterns which is important for agriculture, water resources and disaster management.

3. Warning Systems in Advance

NiMet gives advance warning alerts for extreme weather occurrences such as torrential rains, stormy winds or lack of rain altogether. These warnings aim at minimizing the negative outcomes associated with harsh climatic conditions on communities as well as infrastructural development.

4. Aviation Meteorological Services

For the aviation industry, specialized meteorological information is provided by NiMet including air traffic safety guidance through visibility updates, wind speeds among other aspects that might affect flight operations.

5. Hydrology Services

The agency keeps track of rainfall amounts plus rivers’ levels hence monitoring them could help prevent floods from happening or help plan resource allocation in water management.

6. Research and Development

NiMet is committed to research for more advanced techniques and technology for the forecast of weather. This entails creating new models and tools that can give precise and trustworthy weather forecasts.

7. Public Awareness and Education

NiMet undertakes public awareness and education campaigns on weather and climate issues. These involve outreach programmes, workshops and educational materials meant to enlighten members of the public on how to tackle weather-related problems.

8. International Collaboration {NiMet & WMO}

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) became a member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on December 23, 1960. For more than 62 years, NiMet has maintained this membership and is consistently represented by its Director General.

As from December 13, 2023, Professor Charles Anosike is acting as Nigeria Permanent Representative to the WMO. The country is classified under Region I according to WMO classifications. The WMO Office for Africa has its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and works together with 57 African member states.

The WMO Regional Office for North Central and West Africa which was established in Lagos in 1996 before moving to Abuja in 2005 serves its members and regional partners by promoting and improving weather and climate services and  providing water resource information for stakeholders in climate-sensitive sectors.

NiMet has had a mutually beneficial relationship with WMO especially with respect to capacity building, knowledge sharing and partnerships. In 1957 Nigeria launched the Regional Training School based at Lagos designed to train class IV meteorological technicians.

Meanwhile, later on in 1964, a Regional Meteorological Training Centre (RMTC) was established at Lagos for the purpose of training class III and II meteorological technicians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is NiMet?

NiMet’s major roles include monitoring, analyzing and even providing timely as well as precise weather and climate data. This information aids in socio-economic growth and ensures safety of life and property including health-related aspects.

Who is the current Director of NiMet?

NiMet is headed by professor Charles Anosike who serves as the Director General cum Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Prior to being appointed to his present position, he occupied the office of Director Applied Meteorological Services for a period spanning between 2021 and 2023.

What Ministry does NiMet operate under?

Under the Ministry of Aviation, NiMet operates as a government parastatal whose responsibilities are provision of reliable and timely weather information for the aviation industry.

What is NiMet’s vision?

NiMet’s vision is to provide weather, climate and water information and services that promote sustainable development as well as protection of lives and property.

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