Catching

New collaboration on weather forecasting to enhance vessel traffic safety in Nigerian waters

Baird Maritime

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) setting out areas of collaboration in weather forecasting and climate research.

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 the recommendations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Dr Bashir Jamoh, NIMASA's Director General, said the collaboration will help Nigeria's maritime sector "fill the gaps" earlier identified by the IMO during its latest audit of the country's maritime space.

Under the MOU, NIMASA will provide the mechanism for the dissemination of marine meteorological information to seafarers and make provisions for calibration, consultancy, and certification of instruments and equipment. The agency will also ensure periodic training of staff engaged in meteorological observation.