The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out areas of collaboration in weather forecasting and climate research.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh and his NiMet counterpart, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu signed the agreement on behalf of both agencies. The MoU is designed as a framework for NiMet to provide meteorological services for NIMASA to improve the welfare of seafarers and the safety of navigation of vessels in Nigerian territorial waters in line with recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Jamoh expressed confidence that the forecast for maritime safety and security through NiMet from NIMASA, would not only improve the safety of navigation in Nigerian waters but will greatly enhance the confidence of the international community in the Nigerian maritime sector.
He said: “The objective of the MoU between NIMASA and NiMet is to enhance the capacity of both Agencies with a view to providing relevant meteorological services to seafarers and ocean-going vessels that will allow sustainable development of the marine environment and delivery of products and services to the various sectors related to maritime safety, security, marine environment protection and other maritime activities.”
“It is clear that the collaboration between NIMASA and NiMet will help the maritime sector fill the gaps earlier identified by the International Maritime Organisation during its last audit of the country’s maritime space.”
On his part, Matazu assured that the maritime industry would soon benefit from the partnership in the same way that the aviation sector has been benefiting from NiMet’s services.
“Recently, NiMet invested over N720 million in equipment for maritime services. We are ready to make our services count in the maritime sector and we are sure that the maritime community globally is proud of this initiative,” he said.
As part of the MoU, NIMASA undertakes the provision of a mechanism for the dissemination of marine meteorological information to seafarers, make provision for calibration, consultancy, and certification of instruments and equipment, as well as ensure periodic training of staff members engaged in meteorological observation.
