The Director General, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet Prof. Mansur Matazu has pledged its unflinching support to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in the execution of a multinational project that includes Nigeria.
He made the pledge over the weekend when the Senior Researcher at IWMI, Dr Sander Zwart and his team visited the NiMet Headquarters to seek for support.
Prof. Matazu who was represented by the Director, Weather Forecasting Services, Engr. Mailadi Yusuf, said, NiMet is in close collaboration with Federal and State Ministries of Water Resources where the lead sister Agency that develops the Annual Flood Outlook (NiHSA) for the country is resident.
He disclosed that apart from predicting water availability for farming activities both Onset of rain, duration and amount expected, NiMet would soon engage water users across the country on dry season irrigation farming activities by delivering and training them on the use of the Seasonal Climate Prediction for optimal harvest outputs.
Unveiling his purpose of the visit, the IWMI head of delegation Dr Zwart said they were on the verge of embarking on a huge project called CLiM O.
“We have this project coming up , it is called the CLiM O. It is led by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). The goal is to assist member states of the Niger Basin Authority to be more climate resilient and of course Nigeria is part of the Niger Basin”.
According to Dr Zwart, based on the information obtained online as well as consultations they discovered that flood and drought are major challenges, especially after last year’s flood.
He said, this had led them to develop activities that will ensure people are better prepared for flood now and in the future, adding that, to achieve this, four components they have proposed for the project while their institution will drive the project, they are keen to have NiMet’s input.
Dr. Zwart listed these components to include; Hydrological modelling; Flood forecasting; Data sharing and Underground actions that involves how people can adapt themselves to flood.
The CLIM O project, when fully implemented will support the member states of the Niger Basin Authority in strengthening transboundary governance of water resources, adaptation,and mitigation of the impact of climate change.
The IWMI will lead the design and implementation of the project in the Benue River Basin.
