As the 2013 seasonal rainfall predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) sets in, experts have advocated the need for inter-agency cooperation to mitigate the effects of climate change in Nigeria.
Endorsing space technology as a major solution to disaster management, the experts, at a gathering in Abuja on Thursday, pointed out that efforts must be made early to save lives and property from being lost as occurred in some parts of the country in 2012.
In their presentations, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr. Sa’idu Mohammed, and the Head, NIMET Environmental and Climate Predictions, Mr. Ernest Afiesimama, pointed out that early predictions, earth observations and space researches must be made to translate to quick solutions for the country’s climate challenges.
The participants at the forum, organised by the NSRDA, also expressed the view that, beyond disaster management, space technology could easily drive development if appropriately and effectively applied.
Nigeria currently spends less than two per cent of her annual budget on space development, a trend these experts say must change if the country is interested in meeting the millennium development goals and vision 20:2020 using up-to-date technological expertise.
