– Commends NiMET for timely forecast
Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has reaffirmed the vital role of climate prediction in ensuring safer maritime operations, emphasizing its significance in modern shipping and blue economy activities.
Speaking at the just concluded Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) meeting in Abuja, MOWCA’s Secretary-General, Dr. Paul Adalikwu stressed that accurate weather forecasts are indispensable tools for policymakers, maritime professionals, and industry operators.
He noted that MOWCA’s core focus on the fact marine domain thrives on reliable meteorological services that aid in navigation, resource planning, and disaster preparedness.
The MOWCA scribe highlighted the far-reaching impact of climate conditions on maritime activities, from fisheries and marine biology to water transportation. He cautioned that extreme weather, if not adequately anticipated, could lead to tragic ferry and boat accidents, which have resulted in loss of lives and property across the region. He urged stakeholders to apply NiMET’s timely weather forecasts diligently to improve safety measures and mitigate risks.
Commending the Nigerian government, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and NiMET for their leadership in climate forecasting, Adalikwu acknowledged that seasonal climate predictions enable better planning, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. He reiterated that insights from meteorological bodies contribute significantly to optimizing maritime operations, ensuring fuel efficiency, improving port management, and enhancing supply chain resilience.
Reflecting on MOWCA’s efforts to address safety concerns, Adalikwu recalled the 2024 regional workshop in Libreville, Gabon, where experts discussed inland waterway safety and the critical role of meteorological data. To strengthen collaboration, MOWCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NiMET in 2024, facilitating information-sharing to enhance maritime safety across member states.
Aligning with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), MOWCA continues to champion safe seas and secure navigation. Adalikwu expressed confidence that effective sensitization, regulation, and enforcement of climate predictions would significantly enhance maritime operations across the region. He concluded by congratulating NiMET on its groundbreaking efforts in advancing climate prediction for the benefit of the maritime industry.