(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sambo-300x218.jpg) The Vice President, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee on a National Framework for Application of Climate Services.
Speaking at the occasion in the State House, Abuja , Vice President Sambo said "As a result of the early weather warning memorandum premised on last year's rainy season's flood disaster that caused great losses to the nation, the Federal Executive Council recommended the setting up of the committee which President Jonathan approved."
He said, "The warning is timely considering the observable effects of global climate change and its resultant consequences in the forms of rise in sea level shift in rainfall patterns and extreme weather conditions resulting in hazards such as floods and droughts."
The Committee is to develop a national framework for application of climate services which could render the following benefits: improved crop yield/enhancement of national food security; significant reduction in economic losses resulting from destruction of roads and other infrastructure; ensuring that grains already recorded in the provision of infrastructure are not reversed by severe weather events; reduction of weather/climate related health hazards as well as reduce loss of life and vulnerability of the population to disaster risks associated with extreme weather.
Members of the Committee include the Minister of National Planning Commission as Chairman, Minister of Aviation as Vice Chairman, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Environment. Others are Ministers of Works, Science and Technology, Water Resources, Health as well as Minister of Transport.
Sambo urged the Committee to take advantage of the recommendations of the World Meteorological Organisation, "Global Framework for Climate Services" which could be applicable at regional and national levels. He also invited the Chief Executive Officer of NIMET to participate and assist the Committee while urging the members to pursue the assignment with all vigour and seriousness it deserves.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Committee and Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, expressed appreciation for the appointment and said "the significant of our environment is becoming much more apparent with our population even though we are not subjected to more harsh weather conditions." He assured that the Committee will handle its mandate with vigour and deliver the assignment timely.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria
Our Vice President has been very quiet lately...It's been a while since we heard anything from him.