The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has emphasized the importance of weather forecasting in ensuring the safety and efficiency of ferry operations across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.
Speaking at the Regional Ferry Safety Conference in Lagos, Professor Anosike highlighted the challenges posed by rapidly changing weather conditions to maritime transportation. He stressed that integrating weather early warning alerts into ferry operations is crucial for safe navigation.
“Timely and accurate early warning is indispensable,” Professor Anosike noted, adding that it enables ferry operators to plan routes strategically, deploy crew members effectively, and make informed decisions on safety and trip viability.
The NiMet DG emphasized the need for collaboration between meteorological service providers and users, citing the agency’s successful partnerships with relevant agencies, including NIMASA, NIWA, and MOWCA.
Professor Anosike outlined five measures to overcome challenges in utilizing meteorological data and enhance ferry operation safety and efficiency. He concluded that NiMet is well-positioned to provide impact-based marine forecasts and services to ensure safe ferry operations, contributing to sustainable economic development in Nigeria.