The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) said a fresh dust has been observed over western Chad and south eastern Niger republic as at today which will further deteriorate horizontal visibilities across the country especially over the north eastern parts.
The agency stated that moderate visibility is already being reported over Maiduguri, Kano, Nguru, Obudu, Asaba, Jos, Minna, Abuja, Makurdi, Gombe, Yelwa, Lagos, Akure and Awka.
Consequently, the agency noted that the expected reduction in visibility due to harmattan dust haze may cause cancellation and delay of flights; saying this is for the safety of air travellers.
The Director-General of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforom told New Telegraph that most parts of Northern Cities such as, Katsina, Maiduguri, Kano, Gusau, Damaturu, Nguru, Bauchi and Zaria are expected to experience a further reduction in horizontal visibilities to less than 1000m in about 10 hours from time of issuance or less.
Forecast:
1. Most parts of Northern Cities such as, Katsina, Maiduguri, Kano, Gusau, Damaturu, Nguru, Bauchi and Zaria are expected to experience a further reduction in horizontal visibilities to less than 1000m in about 10 hours from time of issuance or less.
He noted that a further reduction in visibility is expected over parts of the Central Cities such as Abuja, Minna, Bida, Lafia, Jos, Makurdi, Lokoja, in thick dust haze condition with visibilities of 1000m or less in the next 18 hours or less from time of issuance.
His words, “Southern cities including Enugu, Asaba, Ibadan, Lagos, Akure, Owerri and Port Harcourt are also expected to still be under the influence of thick to moderate dust haze (visibility 2-5km) and localized visibility less than 1000m in the next 24hrs.”
He advised road users to be careful and avoid over speeding especially during the early morning period when horizontal visibility is mostly impaired.
He advised road users to be careful and avoid over speeding especially during the early morning period when horizontal visibility is mostly impaired.
The NIMET chief said the harmattan dust haze has its attendant health implications, advising those that are allergic to dust to take necessary precautions and take their medications to alleviate its effect on their health.
. Airlines, last week made air returns to Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and other airports across the country after poor visibility, occasioned by harmattan haze, prevented their aircraft from landing in places they were scheduled for.
The acceptable weather minimum level is 100 meters for pilots. Anything short of that is unacceptable by regulations.
The situation had since pitched the carriers, pilots against Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) with airline operators carpeting the agency, urging it to upgrade landing aids at the airports to allow aircraft land even in zero visibility as it is done in other climes.
The Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt. Nogie Meggisson, said the situation had made flying in the Nigerian airspace difficult during the harmattan, thereby leading to flight cancellations.
According to him, this has increased the sufferings of passengers and disrupted their plans for the festive season.
“Most international and local flights had to be diverted to Cotonou yesterday, which is rather unfortunate,” he said.
In a swift reaction, NAMA, in a statement by its Acting Managing Director, Emma Anyasi, an engineer, said they have commenced upgrading of existing facilities including the deployment of new communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems.
He reiterated that the upgrade was to enhance capacity, safety, efficiency and economy of flight operations.
Anasi expressed concern over challenges faced by airlines and passengers in the past few days, due to reduced flight visibility at the airports.
He said the present weather condition was caused by the prevailing harmattan dust haze, which had limited operations into most airports.
According to him, the agency is not unmindful of the economic losses to airlines, passengers and other airport stakeholders.