FG pledges support to needy nations on meteorological training
The Federal Government has pledged support to the Gambia and other needy nations on the training of meteorological technicians in Africa.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Mr James Odaudu in Lagos on Thursday.
The statement quoted the Minister, Sen. Hadi Sirika as making the pledge at the inaugural graduation of middle-level meteorological technicians, trained by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in Banjul, the Gambia.
Sirika explained that the training highlighted the importance attached to the contribution of meteorology toward sustainable socio-economic development and the safety of citizens.
He said that aviation was a serious business with critical safety requirements and socio-economic impacts, hence, personnel working in the sector must be highly skilled and competent.
“One of the instruments of the partnership is through the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Regional Training Centres and affiliated training institutes,” the minister said.
He noted that WMO encouraged member countries to close the gap through increased cooperation and collective partnership such as the ongoing one between Nigeria and Gambia.
Sirika hinted that Nimet had done this because of support received from the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation.
He commended the WMO for championing and supporting countries to effectively engage in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
“This will contribute to capabilities toward meeting global targets of the sustainable development goals.
“NiMet realises that partnerships and engagements with the private sector cannot be overemphasised.”
According to him, there is an appropriate legal framework that enables NiMet to participate in collaborative PPPs.
He said that in the face of dwindling revenues, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PPP becomes more relevant.
Sirika also commended the Gambian government for taking the initiative to conceive the concept that led to the training.
“This goes to highlight the importance attached to contributions of meteorology to sustainable socio-economic development and safety of citizens of this great country,” Sirika said.
On his part, the Gambian Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, James Gomez commended the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Gomez said the training partnership would further strengthen the bilateral ties that existed between the two countries.
