Dr. Paul Bugeac, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Coordinator for Learning and Development, has praised NiMet’s in-house production capabilities. This commendation followed the revival of the carpentry workshop at the Regional Training Center (RTC) in Oshodi, Lagos, aimed at meeting internal and external demands for high-quality woodwork.
During the recent re-accreditation of the RTC, Dr. Bugeac lauded the workshop’s impressive output and urged the agency to sustain its momentum. He described the workshop as a model of excellence for other meteorological organizations in the sub-region, highlighting its role in advancing resource efficiency and operational self-reliance.
The carpentry workshop specializes in crafting meteorological enclosures, such as Stevenson Screens, alongside furniture and essential woodwork items. Stevenson Screens, critical to meteorological operations, house instruments like thermometers, hygrometers, and barometers. These enclosures shield instruments from sunlight and precipitation while ensuring accurate, consistent weather readings. During a recent visit, the workshop team was observed diligently constructing Stevenson Screens for deployment across NiMet observatories.
Beyond meteorological tools, the workshop produces custom furniture tailored to client specifications and educational furnishings for schools and homes. Items like classroom chairs, tables, office desks, and beds reflect a seamless blend of durability and aesthetic quality. All products meet the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) exacting standards, further reinforcing NiMet’s commitment to excellence.
Professor Charles Anosike, NiMet’s Director General and CEO, emphasized the strategic significance of the workshop’s revival. “The resuscitation of the carpentry workshop is a first step towards reactivating the entrepreneurial units at the RTC complex,” he stated. “This ensures the production of high-quality, non-mercury conventional instruments that align with WMO standards. It also serves as a capacity-building initiative, promoting local content, enhancing workforce productivity, and optimizing our human resources.”
This initiative not only bolsters NiMet’s operational efficiency but also underscores its role in advancing local craftsmanship and resource optimization. The workshop’s revival exemplifies how NiMet integrates sustainability into its operations while setting industry benchmarks for innovation and capacity building.
Through its focus on in-house production capabilities, NiMet showcases its dedication to meeting global standards, strengthening workforce development, and fostering a sustainable future for meteorological services in Nigeria.