NiMet DG Urges Strict Adherence to Weather Guidelines for Safer Ferry Operations

…Calls for integration of early warning systems into maritime planning

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has called on stakeholders in the maritime sector to prioritise adherence to weather-related guidelines in ferry operations across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.

Speaking at the Regional Ferry Safety Conference held from 25th to 26th June 2025 at the Continental Hotel in Lagos, Professor Anosike underscored the vital role of weather forecasting in safeguarding lives and enhancing operational efficiency in the nation’s marine transport system.

He warned that rapidly changing weather conditions pose significant threats to ferry operations, which are a critical mode of transport for many Nigerian communities.

“Maritime regulation must ensure that ferries and ports adopt more sustainable practices, including integration of weather early warning alerts into ferry operations,” Anosike stated. “Timely and accurate early warning is indispensable and serves as a guide toward strategic operational planning, empowering ferry operators to efficiently plan routes and strategically deploy crew members to minimise the impact of adverse weather events and enhance safety.”

The NiMet boss noted that real-time meteorological updates are essential for conducting pre-departure risk assessments and for making informed decisions on the safety and viability of each trip. He explained that such updates not only improve the safety of navigation but also sharpen the preparedness of search-and-rescue operations.

Professor Anosike highlighted that meteorological services achieve the best outcomes when service providers and users collaborate. Recalling efforts made by NiMet in 2022, he said the agency organised a needs assessment workshop that brought together stakeholders such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Navy, the Marine Police, fishing communities, and ferry operators.

“These engagements have since led to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with NIMASA, NIWA, and the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA),” he added.

According to him, “The objective of the collaborative activities between NiMet and the relevant Agencies in the maritime industry is to enhance the capacity of the Parties with a view to the provision of relevant meteorological data and tools that will enhance the sustainable development of the marine environment and delivery of products and services to floating equipment and shippers for safety of navigation, maritime security, marine environment protection, and other maritime activities.”

He also outlined five strategic measures to bridge the gaps in the optimal utilisation of meteorological data, emphasising that these steps would drastically improve the safety and performance of ferry operations in Nigeria.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to advancing impact-based marine forecasting services.

“Weather forecasts for safe navigation are fundamental to the economic prosperity of Nigeria’s coastal dwellers,” he said. “By proactively addressing our existing challenges and diligently implementing these recommendations, we can make significant progress, enhance the well-being and efficiency of ferry operations, and contribute to sustainable economic development in Nigeria. NiMet is well-positioned to provide impact-based marine forecasts and other meteorological products and services to ensure the safety of ferry operations.”

The conference attracted experts and stakeholders from across the West African sub-region, all unified in their call for improved safety standards and climate-smart practices in maritime operations.