Be more vigilant, responsive to weather forecast, WMO tells Nigerians

Citing changing weather patterns happening within a short period, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has tasked Nigerians to be more vigilant and responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.

The WMO representative for West and Central Africa Benard Gomez made the call at the WMO day celebration in Abuja.

Gomez said the shifting weather phenomena from heat waves, thunderstorms, and thick dust haze happening within a short period, are indicative of a changing climate which calls for concerted efforts by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.

He observed that the recent fluctuations in the weather witnessed in Nigeria, during the transition from dry to rainy season demonstrate the extreme weather events that the country. can face

Hence, Gomez noted that the theme of the celebration “At the Frontline of Climate Action” is a call on frontline agencies like NIMET to be more proactive in providing accurate weather and climate information as it is the heart of effective climate action, saying their work allows people to understand the current state of the planet, predict future trends, and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.

He said “the heme recognizes the critical stage that we find ourselves with regards to severe weather and climate events caused by climate variability and change and the need for enhanced action to protect lives, property and livelihoods, among others.”

While mentioning that like soldiers are in the frontline, there is no room for complacency! It is to fight hard or perish, he stressed that though the challenges would be stiff and hard to overcome, but that is what being on the frontline is all about.

Gomez revealed that efforts are ongoing for the review of the implementation of the National Framework for the Application of Climate Services (NFACS) in Nigeria, saying an operational NFACS will see every inhabitant of the country provided with accurate and fit-for-purpose weather, water and climate services.

The Director General of NIMET, Prof Charles Anosike, in his remarks noted that Climate change poses an existential threat to the planet, exacerbating extreme weather events, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering vulnerable communities.

Howeve, he said that it is imperative for them to increase efforts towards building a weather and climate-resilient society, enhance our preparedness for weather-related disasters, and promote sustainable development practices at all levels of government.

Anosike noted that one of the ways the agency is sustaiing awareness and continuous education on climate and climate change related issues, is through the catch-them-young: program saying “the Young Meteorological Ambassador Programme is a testament to that and 2024 WMD Celebration is no exception.

“We must not relent at encouraging our young minds to build their capacity for meaningful contributions to effective climate actions that is impactful and measurable.”