Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has requested the World Meteorological Organization’s assistance in implementing Nigeria’s early warnings road map. His request aligns with the WMO’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, emphasizing the importance of early warnings in mitigating risks. Keyamo is part of the Nigerian delegation participating in the Aeronautical Meteorology Scientific Conference (AeroMetSci-2024). Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMet, is also a key member of the delegation.
The Aeronautical Meteorology Scientific Conference (AeroMetSci-2024) is currently underway, organized by the SERCOM. Professionals and industry leaders from the WMO, ICAO, and various aviation communities are participating in this significant event. They are gathered to discuss advancements and challenges in aeronautical meteorology and share insights to improve aviation safety and efficiency.
The conference, held at the WMO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, runs from October 21 to 25, 2024. Its focus is on scientific research and development for enhanced aeronautical meteorological services, especially in a changing climate. The main objective of the event is to showcase advances in meteorological observations, forecasts, and warnings relevant to air traffic management. Additionally, the impact of climate change on aviation is being closely examined to ensure future preparedness.
During the event, the Nigerian delegation held a strategic meeting with WMO Secretary-General, Professor Celeste Saulo. Minister Keyamo emphasized Nigeria’s critical role in regional aviation safety and highlighted the significance of meteorology in national development. Furthermore, he advocated for enhanced technical support from the WMO, specifically in areas such as training, skills acquisition, and early warnings for professionals.
In addition, Minister Keyamo recognized the WMO Sub-regional Office in Nigeria and expressed Nigeria’s continuous commitment to supporting the office. He requested further WMO assistance in implementing the early warnings road map as part of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. This is critical to advancing Nigeria’s capacity in weather forecasting and early warnings.
Professor Anosike, Director General of NiMet, highlighted Nigeria’s potential to become a Regional WIGOS and NWP Centre. He also thanked the WMO for their ongoing support and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to aiding regional member states.
Responding to the Nigerian delegation, WMO Secretary-General Professor Celeste Saulo praised Nigeria’s efforts in supporting meteorological development across the region. Saulo emphasized the vital role of government support in mobilizing resources to enhance early warning systems for extreme weather. Moreover, she highlighted the need for improved systems to help developing nations better respond to severe weather conditions.
Nigeria’s delegation includes His Excellency, Ambassador Abiodun Richards Adejola, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Throughout the weeklong event, NiMet aims to explore meteorological advancements critical for improving aeronautical services and enhancing safety. NiMet also seeks to gain valuable insights to strengthen its efforts in providing better weather-related safety measures.
