By Ameh Gabriel
LAGOS – The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has called on ferry operators and maritime stakeholders to strictly adhere to weather-related safety guidelines to ensure secure and efficient ferry operations across Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking at the Regional Ferry Safety Conference held from June 25 to 26, 2025, at the Continental Hotel in Lagos, Professor Anosike emphasized the critical role of accurate weather forecasting in safeguarding lives and assets in maritime transport.
“Ferries and ports must integrate timely weather alerts into their operational protocols. Real-time forecasts are essential for route planning and the strategic deployment of crews, particularly in the face of rapidly changing weather conditions,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of early warning systems, Anosike said such measures help ferry operators conduct pre-departure risk assessments and make climate-informed decisions, ultimately reducing disruptions and boosting safety.
He also stressed the need for user-centric design in meteorological service delivery. “Data saves lives only when service providers and users collaborate. In 2022, NiMet convened a needs assessment workshop with key maritime stakeholders including NIMASA, NPA, NIWA, the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, ferry operators, and fishing communities,” he recalled.
The outcomes of that engagement have since led to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between NiMet and key maritime agencies such as NIMASA, NIWA, and the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA). These partnerships aim to deliver tailored meteorological tools to enhance marine navigation, security, and environmental protection.
Professor Anosike also outlined five strategic measures to improve the use of meteorological data in ferry operations, aiming to reduce weather-related risks and enhance overall efficiency.
He concluded by reaffirming NiMet’s readiness to support the maritime sector:
“Marine weather forecasts are crucial to the livelihood and prosperity of Nigeria’s coastal communities. With coordinated efforts and consistent implementation of these safety recommendations, we can strengthen ferry operations and contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic and environmental sustainability goals.”
