From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO) of The Netherlands to develop a robust network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) in the country.

The collaboration, which would be for five years in the first instance, was also aimed at advancing TAHMO’s vision to improve Sub-Saharan Africa’s capacity for hydro-meteorological monitoring.

 Speaking at the signing in Abuja yesterday, Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi, said the partnership would increase the density of NiMet’s network of stations and enhance its goal of one weather station per 100 kilometers, in compliance with the standard stipulated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Related News

He said the project would off immediately with the delivery of 100 AWS by TAHMO to be installed across the country at no cost to the agency.

He revealed that subsequent implementation of the project would be through a joint funding arrangement to achieve the goal of 1000 AWS.

He emphasized that the project would support and boost NiMet’s education and research partners, as well as assist in the provision of educational materials on climate and hydrology for schools located close to the AWS.