By Mohammed Bello Doka
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), ably represented by Pastor Femi Bejide, demonstrated Nigeria's leadership in hydrological innovation at the prestigious World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Training on Data Sharing and Interoperability. Held in Cape Town, South Africa—a city famed for its unique position at the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans—the workshop brought together hydrological experts from across Region I. The aim was to foster global collaboration, advance data standardization, and enhance water resource management in the face of climate challenges.
The workshop’s comprehensive agenda was facilitated by renowned experts, including Mr. Phillip, Mr. Washington, and Mr. Abubakar. Participants delved into topics like metadata management, real-time hydrological monitoring, and advanced data-sharing protocols. Critical discussions centered on state-of-the-art tools such as WHOS (the WMO Hydrological Observing System), which serves as a global platform for hydrological data discovery and interoperability, and HydroSOS, which provides real-time hydrological status updates to inform decision-making on water resource allocation, drought preparedness, and flood management.
NIHSA’s participation proved pivotal, positioning Nigeria as a key player in international hydrological governance. Under Pastor Bejide's leadership, the agency secured significant outcomes, including:
Global Visibility: NIHSA's integration into WMO's Hydroshare network enhances Nigeria's role in global hydrological data-sharing initiatives.
Technical Training: Capacity-building on metadata editing, data management, and the implementation of cutting-edge tools like the SensorThings API ensures that NIHSA remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
HydroSOS Support: With HydroSOS, Nigeria can now better assess the current and future states of its water resources, enabling proactive responses to climatic fluctuations.
Future Conferences: NIHSA received WMO backing to host national and regional hydrology conferences in 2025, which are expected to draw global attention to Nigeria’s water management strategies.
Pastor Bejide highlighted the importance of the training, stating, "This workshop underscores the critical need for synergy in global hydrology. For NIHSA, the outcomes translate directly into improved water management practices that align with Nigeria’s developmental goals."
The Cape Town event culminated in the adoption of resolutions aimed at meeting WMO's ambitious targets for data-sharing and hydrological resilience. Participants agreed on timelines for implementing enhanced systems, such as the OSCAR/Surface metadata repository and improved monitoring frameworks for aquifers and river basins.
In addition to advancing technical knowledge, the workshop emphasized the critical role of data standardization and integration in addressing global water crises. As nations like Nigeria grapple with challenges ranging from droughts to urban flooding, tools like WHOS and HydroSOS offer a lifeline by enabling evidence-based planning and transboundary water cooperation.
This milestone event in Cape Town not only showcased NIHSA's leadership but also underscored Nigeria's commitment to leveraging global partnerships for sustainable water resource management. By aligning with WMO's objectives, NIHSA is poised to play a transformative role in regional and global hydrology, ensuring that water remains a catalyst for development rather than a source of crisis.
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