LAGOS - The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, has advocated for the support of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) for Nigeria’s Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) roadmap.
Keyamo made the call at the ongoing 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) COP29.
A statement by Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister on Wednesday, noted that a significant focus of the side engagements at COP29 was the support for Nigeria’s EW4ALL roadmap, aligning with the United Nations’ initiative to ensure universal early warning systems by 2027.
***ADVERTISEMENT***
The WMO’s Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) plays a vital role in this endeavor, providing long-term financing and technical assistance to close weather and climate data gaps.
"Keyamo, expressed appreciation for SOFF’s support and advocated for its expansion to include middle-income countries like Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive data sharing for global weather prediction accuracy."
The Minister and the NiMet team held a side meeting with officials of the WMO to discuss areas of mutual interest.
The meeting highlighted the recent re-accreditation visit by Paul Bujeac to Nigeria’s WMO Regional Center in Oshodi, Lagos.
Recall that Bujeac commended Nigeria’s efforts in advancing meteorological services, and Nigeria anticipates a successful re-accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to international meteorological standards.
These collaborative efforts signal Nigeria’s dedication to advancing meteorological science within the aviation sector and beyond, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience against climate change impacts.
***ADVERTISEMENT***
During the conference, the Minister actively participated in a series of high-level sessions and meetings, including collaborative engagements with his counterparts from the Ministries of Environment, Health, and Women Affairs.
These discussions highlighted the interconnectedness of aviation and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices across all sectors.
In a notable development, the Minister held a productive session with Ms. K.O. Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and her team.
This meeting yielded a key commitment from the WMO to provide enhanced technical assistance to Nigeria as one of its Peer Advisors. This collaboration underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in shaping global climate resilience strategies, particularly in the aviation sector.
Further showcasing Nigeria’s leadership at COP 29, the Minister addressed a press conference at the Nigerian Pavilion during the celebration of Nigeria Day.
In his remarks, he underscored the importance of aligning Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace policies with global climate goals.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices into the nation’s aviation infrastructure, including initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and adopting cleaner energy sources.
“Nigeria is fully committed to playing its part in addressing the global climate crisis. Our aviation sector is undergoing transformative reforms to ensure it aligns with international sustainability standards. The commitments we secure here at COP 29 will drive our vision for a resilient and eco-friendly aviation ecosystem,” he stated.
***ADVERTISEMENT***
Nigeria’s participation at COP 29 reaffirms its dedication to global partnerships aimed at achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains resolute in its mission to position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable aviation practices.

Comments
Post a Comment