The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Monday hinted of its preparedness to commercialise its meteorological and hydrological services to what it described as higher demand by Nigerians and other countries.
NiMet added that the goal to commercialise some of its services would be achieved through collaborations and more Public Private Partnerships (PPP), stating that some of the services and products is to boost its revenue and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Its Director General, Prof. Mansur Matazu, made the disclosure at the first French-Nigeria Meteorological Seminar and business meeting in Abuja.
Matazu said due to inadequate resources from the government to support the agency’s operations and the high demand for meteorological and hydrological services by Nigerians and other countries led to this move.
According to him, The world economies are struggling due to various challenges around the globe, including natural and man-made disasters, and the fact that most countries are yet to stabilise due to the devastating COVID-19 experience.
The cost of conducting meteorological business, Matazu said was also increasing amidst staff attrition due to inadequate remuneration and many others.
He added: “Hence, Government funding of meteorological activities such as instrumentation, new technologies, equipment, welfare, communication, and data exchange are grossly inadequate.
“It is therefore imperative that Public Private Partnership must be embraced and explored.
“As a service provider, NiMet in line with its established mandate promotes and implements activities in support of national socio-economic development across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
On her part, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann who described the seminar as a win-win situation, added that it would avail both countries of opportunities to share ideas on the latest technologies.
She said: “The seminar on meteorology and hydrology is part of the partnership agreement between Nigerian authorities and the French government. The French government responded to the request made by Nigerian authorities because there is a need for a public-private partnership.