The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) have reached an agreement to improve the safety of maritime operations across member states. This collaboration will focus on enhancing Maritime weather information uptake, a vital tool for ensuring the safety and security of maritime transport in the region. NiMet’s expertise in meteorology and MOWCA’s mandate to support regional maritime activities will form the backbone of this initiative.
This memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on 5th December 2024 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, lays the foundation for a strategic partnership aimed at addressing the region’s maritime challenges. The agreement emphasizes the critical role that accurate weather forecasts, early warnings, and effective marine meteorology can play in mitigating risks and improving safety standards. Both parties recognize the pressing need to invest in ocean observation infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives.
NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, underscored the significance of the partnership for Maritime weather information uptake. He highlighted that weather, climate, and water cycles cannot be controlled by a single nation, thus necessitating international cooperation. He pointed out that the West and Central African region faces shared maritime safety challenges, which include pollution and security threats, due to its heavy reliance on maritime transport. Therefore, the exchange of marine weather data between countries will ensure that vessels receive critical information twice daily, in line with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) conventions and World Meteorological Organization guidelines.
Furthermore, Professor Anosike stressed the importance of regional collaboration for the sustainable development of maritime operations. He pointed out that MOWCA’s broad reach would enable NiMet to enhance its service delivery and ensure that weather information covers all shipping lines and fishing grounds within member states. He also urged the need for financial support to develop robust ocean observation infrastructure across the region.
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of MOWCA, echoed NiMet’s sentiments, recognizing the agency’s excellent work in providing vital weather and climate information for maritime operations. He acknowledged the significance of timely and accurate meteorological data, which are crucial for ensuring the safety of vessels navigating through regional waters. With the high volume of vessels traversing Nigerian waters, Dr. Adalikwu emphasized the importance of this collaboration and expressed support for extending NiMet’s services to other MOWCA member states.
In conclusion, both NiMet and MOWCA share a common goal of improving maritime safety in West and Central Africa. By strengthening regional cooperation, sharing essential weather data, and investing in the necessary infrastructure, both parties are poised to enhance maritime safety across the region. This partnership promises to bring long-term benefits to the maritime sector, improving the safety and efficiency of shipping operations in member states.
