… Asks public to disregard warning.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) says it is not the responsibility of the Nigerian Lightning Safety and Research Center (NLSRC) to issue an unauthorised thunderstorm alert as the power to issue such alerts rests squarely with NiMeT
The NLSRC is a non governmental organisation which aims to raise awareness about lightning safety and protection of lives and property.
NLSRC had on April 15 issued a warning alert to Nigerians via Twitter saying millions of thunderstorms are expected in most parts of the country in May. It went further to mark states which are prone to the thunderstorms and floods.
The Alert reads:
“Thunderstorms are expected to spread across Nigeria throughout May. The RED states are at higher risk of severe lightning strikes and flooding. Prepare for possible fatalities & fire outbreaks. Stay informed and stay safe,”
But, in a statement on Sunday, NiMet faulted NLSRC for issuing such alerts, saying it had no business doing so since it is not empowered by law .
NiMeT said by issuing unauthorized alert, the the lightning NGO has committed an offence which carries a prison term under Section 30(2) of the NiMet Act.
“NiMet wishes to inform the public that at no time did it authorize NLSRC to issue any such weather forecast to the public, as this is the statutory function of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency,”
“NiMet is statutorily mandated under Sections 7 (1) (a) and (i) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Establishment Act, 2022 (NiMet Act), to advise the Federal Government on ALL aspects of meteorology and to collect, process and disseminate ALL meteorological data and information within and outside Nigeria.
“NiMet is also the SOLE AUTHORITY to prescribe and issue the meteorological data and information required for all sectoral activities in Nigeria (Section 7(2)).
“Further to the above-stated provisions, any person who collects, uses or disseminates weather forecast or any other meteorological information obtained from any other source outside the approval, licence or authority of the Agency for commercial or public purpose, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment or both (Section 30 (2) of the NiMet Act).”
The agency said the public should disregard the information issued by NLSRC.
However,In response, NLSRC told NiMet that it merely issued an alert for the education and safety of Nigerians and does not in any way intend to compete with the agency on the performance of its duty
“We acknowledge that NLSRC may not have received the necessary approval or authorization from NiMet before issuing the weather forecast to the Nigerian public,” the NGO said.
“However, we would like to assure you that our intention is to raise awareness about lightning safety and protection of lives, properties, and public infrastructures in Nigeria.
“We do not intend to compete with NiMet or any other government agency responsible for weather forecasting and dissemination of meteorological data and information.” the organisation said.
