The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced the public presentation of its book, “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing”, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Abuja Continental Hotel.
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President
According to a press statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, the highly anticipated event promises to be a significant milestone in the literary and publishing landscape.
He quoted GOCOP President, Ms. Maureen Chigbo, to have said that the event will feature a Fundraiser for the N2.3 billion GOCOP Media Centra, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.
Chigbo further said that “this landmark publication chronicled the transformative journey of Nigeria’s media landscape, highlighting the pivotal role of online publishing in shaping public discourse, enhancing transparency and fostering national development.
“It is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian media practitioners in the digital age,” she said.
The event, she said, would bring together distinguished personalities from government, media, private sector, academia and civil society to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in online publishing and its critical role in nation-building.
GOCOP, which currently has 120 members, was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism in doing their jobs.
Its membership is a constellation of editors and senior journalists, whom, having distinguished themselves in their various stations in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally.
The book, aside tracing the historical trajectory of online journalism in Nigeria, is also a veritable contribution towards enriching the discourse on civil liberties, press freedom and the role of the media in the sustenance of democracy, the statement added.
Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell, says clear and strong climate policies are an antidote to trade and economic uncertainty.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell. Photo credit: Phil Dera Photography
He believes climate policy can help get trade flowing and economies growing, while preventing wildly destructive climate impacts.
Speaking at the 2025 Nature Summit in Panamá City, Panamá, he noted that a new generation of national climate plans are essential all around the world.
He says these plans, when well implemented through the right political leadership, can attract a bonanza of benefits, including more jobs, more revenue and a virtuous cycle of increased investment.
“In the past, climate plans have often focused mainly on cuts – cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and to old-fashioned energy. This new generation of climate plans are really about growth. Growing industries and economies. And building a better future. One where nature is protected, and where people have better opportunities,” he states.
Decarbonisation
Amid all the crisis and trade disruption, the UN Climate Change chief says there is also good news of clean energy projects in pipelines across the globe.
“Investors have their fingers on the button – waiting to push go on multi-billion-dollar commitments that will make lives better,” says Stiell.
He says the political and policy signals from almost all of the world’s largest economies are very clear: global decarbonisation is unstoppable and continues to gather pace and scale.
More than 90% of new energy last year was renewable – from rapid technological advancements in Electric Vehicle charging, to breakthroughs in energy storage, as the costs of wind, solar, and so many more clean technologies keep coming down.
Brazil is putting nature at the heart of their climate plan; Germany is promising to invest billions in climate action to increase security; and China, for the first time, will set a new national climate target that covers every greenhouse gas and sector of the economy.
“This isn’t only because of their better environmental angels. It’s because global decarbonisation is the biggest economic transformation of our age, making it one of the biggest commercial opportunities we’ve ever seen,” notes Stiell.
Cooperation for more prosperity
Every country wants to take advantage of a $2 trillion clean energy market, says the UN Climate chief.
“While competition is a good thing, now is not the time for zero-sum thinking. We need to work together to ensure that everyone benefits. That new markets open and new trade routes form.
“We simply cannot afford a two-speed transition, where some countries race ahead with clean energy and climate resilience and leave others behind. Because a supply chain is only as strong as its most fragile link.
“The good news is, we are also hearing loud and clear from heads of state that they remain committed to cooperation on climate. To build on breakthroughs we’ve seen at every recent COP,” Stiell notes.
Panama is hosting the first of the new revamped UN Climate Weeks, focusing on making real-world progress, showcasing solutions and exploring how they can be scaled up and shared.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Chief Ekperenkpo Ekpo, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, urged oil and gas stakeholders to collaborate to meet the quota approved by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo
Ekpo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emeka Obi, made the call while speaking at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair (NOGOF) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The theme of the forum is: “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development’’.
He noted that the oil output of 1.4 million barrels per day as of first quarter of 2025 falls short of the 1.8 million barrels quota approved by OPEC.
The minister said that, with the nation’s oil reserve and a commitment by industry players, there is an opportunity to meet the quota.
Ekpo commended the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the fair showcasing opportunities for Nigerian companies.
He said that the growth of Nigerian content from five percent in 2010 to 56 per cent in 2024 was a laudable achievement.
About 1,000 companies are participating in the fair where major oil producers showcase opportunities and projects.
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, said it had approved two bills for submission to the state House of Assembly aimed at reforming land administration and marriage registration procedures.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), at the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing on Wednesday
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced the development at the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the second year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Pedro, one of the bills proposes establishment of a Lis Pendens (Pending Litigation) Registry to record all litigations concerning land matters.
The commissioner said that the registry would be expected to protect members of the public from unknowingly engaging in transactions on disputed property.
He said that the second bill sought to establish a Marriage and Dissolution Registry to register all forms of marriages conducted in the state and issue official certificates.
“The executive council has approved these bills for legislative consideration to improve governance and legal clarity in key areas of public interest.
Pedro also said that the ministry had prepared an amendment to the state’s Tenancy Law of 2016, with the aim of curbing exploitative rental practices.
“It has become necessary for us to checkmate activities of stakeholders in this industry; we need to curb this exploitative rental practice in a city like Lagos State.
“The proposed amendment will address issues of exploitative rent increases, non-payment of rent arrears, and prolonged delays in tenancy litigation,” he said.
He added that a draft bill had been prepared to harmonise three existing laws relating to sexual and domestic violence.
“The harmonisation is to ensure a robust and unified legislation that effectively tackles domestic violence and other harmful practices in Lagos State,” he said.
On administration of criminal justice, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry had introduced the Lagos Criminal Information System.
According to him, the innovation automates handling of all criminal cases pending at the state’s magistrates’ and high courts.
“This makes it easy to identify cases,” he said.
On the state of correctional facilities in Lagos State, Pedro said that the current inmate population stood at 9,096, representing 106 per cent above the capacities of the facilities.
He said that the level of overcrowding was a matter of serious concern but the ministry was optimistic that the overcrowding would soon be a thing of the past.
“Crime data revealed Ikeja, Lagos Island and Lekki as the top three areas for criminal acactivities,” he said.
The ministry comprises multiple directorates and agencies, including Civil Litigation, Public Prosecutions, Citizens Rights, Commercial Law, Legislative Drafting and Advisory Services.
The other agencies include Law Reform Commission, Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Office of the Public Defender, and Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
Pedro said that each of the units contributed uniquely to the enforcement of law, delivery of justice and protection of citizens’ rights.
”Justice is not just about courts and laws; it is the bedrock of a safe, fair and thriving society.
“Without the rule of law, there can be no sustainable investment or social progress,” he said.
The Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, has reaffirmed the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting its consistent investment in the country over six decades, even during periods of economic and regulatory uncertainty.
Matthieu Bouyer
Speaking at the on-going Nigerian Oil & Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025 taking place at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Bouyer, who was represented by Mr. Cyprian Ojum, Deputy General Manager, Nigeria Content, said TotalEnergies remains one of the few international oil companies that have stood by Nigeria through challenging times.
“Even when Nigeria was not looking very bright as a place to invest, TotalEnergies continued to invest without looking back,” Bouyer told participants. “In the last 15 years, if you fly across the oil and gas fields, you’ll see many facilities and projects powered by TotalEnergies.”
He highlighted key legacy projects such as the Akpo, Ofon Phase 2, and Egina fields, with the Egina project achieving an impressive 67% Nigerian content.
“It is a story we are proud of as Nigerians. Involving Nigerian procurement, services, construction, and transport, 67% of the Egina project was executed in-country,” he said.
Bouyer also referenced the more recent Ikike project, which recorded 90% Nigerian participation.
“That’s a strong testament to how far local content has grown. Four major contractors on the Ikike project were Nigerian,” he noted.
TotalEnergies’ alignment with the Nigerian Content Act 2010 was central to Bouyer’s address.
“Our philosophy is built on Section 2 of the Act, which mandates that every project promoter must operate with a mindset to create and retain value in Nigeria,” he said.
On future prospects, Bouyer discussed the Ubeta project, which reached Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2024.
“Despite an uncertain environment, Ubeta is now on track. Nigerian contractors are delivering. We will take gas from the Ubeta field to our plant and feed Nigeria LNG to meet 2027 targets,” he said.
He also hinted at upcoming developments such as the Amenam/Kpono shallow-water gas project, aligning with Nigeria’s drive to boost gas production and energy transition.
“Our commitment is not just in the past or present, but for the future,” Bouyer concluded. “TotalEnergies will continue to invest, empower local contractors, and support Nigeria’s ambition to become a hub for energy excellence.”
A new front in the global fight against wildlife crime began on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the launch of the South‑West Asia Illegal Taking of Migratory Birds Intergovernmental Task Force (SWAITBT).
Participants at the launch of the South-West Asia Illegal Taking of Birds Task Force (SWAITBT) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 20-21, 2025
Established under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Task Force brings together 10 range states to confront the illegal and unsustainable taking of millions of birds each year, which has been driving flagship regional species such as the Steppe Eagle, several falcon species and Sociable Plovers towards extinction.
“This initiative brings governments in the region together to collaborate on a shared conservation goal which cannot be addressed alone,” said Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS. “By increasing the capacity of key players, aligning laws, enforcement and on‑the‑ground conservation across South‑West Asia, this Task Force gives us a realistic chance to shut down the trafficking routes and illegal taking hotspots that have decimated iconic species. It is a model of multilateral cooperation that can deliver real results for wildlife and people alike.”
The National Centre for Wildlife (NCW), as the CMS national focal point in Saudi Arabia, is leading coordination efforts on behalf of the Kingdom. NCW convened the inaugural meeting in Riyadh and continues to engage with regional and international partners to advance the task force’s goals.
Saudi Arabia is spearheading this coordinated approach to tackle the unlawful capture and trade of migratory birds. The launch reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to cross-border conservation, recently recognised with the CMS Champion, presented to the National Center for Wildlife for its active role in the protection of migratory species.
“Saudi Arabia recognises the importance of international cooperation in protecting migratory birds that cross our skies and connect our continents,” said Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Centre for Wildlife, in Saudi Arabia. “By supporting this task force, we reaffirm our commitment to conservation and to safeguarding species that are part of our region’s natural and cultural heritage. Working together, we can strengthen enforcement and ensure safe passage for these birds for generations to come.”
An action‑oriented mandate
The SWAITBT gathers all 10 range states – Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen – alongside international organisations, NGOs and enforcement bodies. To support CMS parties in meeting their conservation obligations, the task force’s core objectives include:
Reviewing national hunting legislation and guiding legal reforms to close loopholes;
Coordinating and supporting implementation of the South‑West Asia Action Plan against Illegal Killing and Taking of Birds;
Enable a regional situation analysis on illegal taking, building on work by the CMS Mediterranean and Asia‑Pacific task forces;
Ensuring synergies with related CMS frameworks such as the Raptors MOU, African‑Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan (AEMLAP) and the Central Asian Flyway Initiative (CAF);
Promoting information exchange and capacity‑building among enforcement agencies, customs and the judiciary;
Advancing regional cooperation on enforcement by aligning regional protocols and bird-protection measures and tapping into specialist networks;
Mobilising resources for priority conservation and enforcement actions; and
Monitor the implementation of the relevant decisions and plans and their effectiveness and regularly submit progress reports to the governing bodies of participating MEAs, including via an intergovernmental ‘scoreboard’ to monitor and indicate progress in eliminating IKB.
Addressing a global conservation priority
The State of the World’s Migratory Species report, released at the 14th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, confirms that overexploitation is one of the two greatest threats to migratory species, with illegal killing (a subcategory of overexploitation) a major driver for many birds. According to BirdLife International’s State of the World’s Birds (2022), over‑exploitation affects up to 45 per cent of all bird species worldwide.
This Task Force is set up in full coordination with ongoing CMS Avian Task Forces addressing illegal taking in other parts of the world, such as those operating for a decade now in the Mediterranean (MIKT) and more recently in Asia Pacific (ITTEA) Regions. The first model in the Mediterranean, has proven to be a successful platform of regional cooperation and exchange of information and best practices, where coordinated action has cut illegal bird netting in Cyprus by 91 per cent.
By adopting a full and proactive role in fighting against these illegal activities, countries will also contribute to the achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its target 5 on the use, harvest, and trade of wild species.
The Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Food Security has pledged collaboration with agriculture related civil society organisations (CSOs) and women farmers to ensure food security in the state.
CSOs, women farmers and members of the Kwara State House of Assembly during the advocacy visit
The committee made the pledge on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, while receiving the CSOs under the umbrella of the Budget Committee Group (BCG) on an advocacy visit and the presentation of 2025 agriculture budget analysis report.
The committee’s chairman, Mrs. Ayi Olatundun, said the committee was ready to partner and support NGOs in the state to ensure that agriculture thrived well.
She said the legislative body was ready to explore all opportunities in areas that would benefit the people they were elected to serve.
The lawmaker representing Ilorin North-West constituency said the present administration would not relent in its efforts toward the overall development of agriculture in the state, which has already recorded significant progress
Also, Mr. Muhammed Kareem Musa, representing Patigi Constituency, advised the BCG to channel its observations and recommendations through the Ministry of Agriculture.
He said going by the thorough analysis done by the group, it was imperative for them to present their observations during the yearly budget engagement for their observations to be noted.
Another member of the committee, Mr. Yinusa Oniboki representing Afon Constituency said as a way of support for farmers in the state, the House had just passed into law the Water User Association Bill.
Oniboki said the bill, among other provisions, would help farmers engage in irrigation, thereby promoting all-season farming without having to rely solely on rainfall
Earlier, Mr. Abdurrahman Ayuba, a member of the BCG and Coordinator of Scaling Up Public Investment in Agriculture (SUPIA), said the government should be deliberate in increasing budgetary allocations to smallholder women farmers.
Ayuba added that this was imperative as the women farmers were the producers of food for consumption and not exporting like their male counterparts.
He said the BCG, after analysing the 2025 budget, discovered that this year’s allocation to agriculture was lower than that of 2024, which itself was already below the 10 per cent benchmark set by the Maputo Declaration.
Ayuba called for an increase in budgetary allocations to research and development, citing their vital role in enhancing the agricultural value chain.
He stressed that investing in R&D would lead to innovation, improved productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition, Ayuba emphasised the need for inclusive agriculture budget planning, urging that smallholder women farmers with disabilities be deliberately included to ensure they could contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Also speaking, Mrs. Modupe Suleiman, a member of the BCG and Deputy Coordinator of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), appealed to lawmakers to prioritise issues affecting women farmers.
She advocated for women-friendly farming equipment and improved access to credit facilities, both of which are crucial for boosting productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
The BCG is a coalition of agriculture-focused civil society organisations that conduct annual analyses of the state’s agriculture budget.
The initiative is part of an ActionAid Nigeria project under SUPIA programme, involving 12 participating organisations across the state.
As part of the global health movement to expand affordable access to high-quality medicines, the Gates Foundation has awarded a $5 million grant to Axmed, a healthcare technology company transforming how lifesaving medicines are procured across Growth Markets.
Cynthia Mwase, Director of Health, Africa, Gates Foundation
The grant will be deployed as a matching fund, providing a 1:1 match on government procurement of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) commodities through the Axmed Medicines Platform.
The grant is expected to unlock up to $10 million in MNCH procurement across a selection of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to strengthen national procurement capacity by offering Ministries of Health near-term liquidity, access to quality-assured MNCH commodities, and the benefits of pooled procurement and aggregated demand – driving both cost-efficiency and supply security.
The initiative was announced during a high-level roundtable held alongside the 78th World Health Assembly, which convened Ministers of Health, national procurement leads, and representatives from key multilateral organisations and philanthropic partners.
“Reducing the number of preventable deaths of mothers and babies is key to our work in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Cynthia Mwase, Director of Health, Africa, Gates Foundation. “This partnership with Axmed and local health leaders is an important step forward in ensuring that life-saving innovations reach the communities where they can make the greatest difference – so that more families can experience healthy pregnancies, safe births, and strong starts to life.”
Addressing Persistent Gaps in Medicines Access
Every year, 287,000 women die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, and 2.3 million newborns die in their first month – despite the availability of proven, cost-effective interventions. Weak procurement systems, constrained budgets, and fragmented supply chains continue to limit access to essential MNCH commodities across low-resource settings.
The current global liquidity crunch, coupled with reductions in donor funding, has made it harder for governments to secure the medicines they need. This grant responds to that challenge – unlocking immediate financing while enabling longer-term procurement reforms.
“Through our partnership with Axmed, the Government of Rwanda has shown that meaningful improvements in the efficient and sustainable delivery of high-quality medicines across multiple therapeutic areas can be achieved. Now, through this matching fund, our partnership will expand this impact even further, reaching the most vulnerable with urgency and precision. This matching fund is a strategic step forward in reimagining procurement in a new era of global health: smarter, faster, and designed to deliver measurable results across the entire health system in collaboration with partners who are both innovative and purpose-driven,” said Dr. Loko Abraham, Chief Executive Officer for Rwanda Medical Supply.
The Axmed Platform: Unlocking Scale, Speed, and Savings
Axmed’s digital marketplace connects institutional buyers directly with vetted suppliers, aggregating demand across countries and consolidating procurement at scale. In 2024, Ministries and other procurers using the platform achieved average savings of 20–30%, with select MNCH products realizing up to 80% cost reductions.
Axmed also partners with global logistics providers to manage end-to-end delivery, from manufacturer to last-mile distribution, with full tracking and traceability. The platform has been deployed across multiple LMICs to support national and regional procurement strategies.
“This fund is a clear example of how catalytic financing and technology can work together to deliver immediate and lasting impact,” said Emmanuel Akpakwu, Founder & CEO of Axmed. “Our goal is not just to deliver quality medicines faster and more affordably, but to help build more resilient and efficient procurement systems for the future.”
World leaders have pledged an additional $170 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) during a high-level pledging event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo credit: AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI / Getty Images
In a statement issued by WHO on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the contributions were made in support of WHO’s ongoing Investment Round (IR), aimed at addressing rising global health challenges.
“Earlier in the day, WHO member states approved an increase in Assessed Contributions, providing an additional $90 million annually, marking a significant step toward more sustainable financing.
“The IR is raising funds for WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work, a global health strategy projected to save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years.
“These pledges represent significant contributions from both governments and philanthropic partners,” it said.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude to all member states and partners who contributed to the IR.
“In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us preserve and expand our life-saving work.
“They show that multilateralism is alive and well,” he said.
Ghebreyesus noted that long-standing allies and new contributors alike stepped up at the event, expanding WHO’s donor base with new voluntary funding.
“The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) announced an additional $13 million and pledged further support.
“Among the pledges, at least $170 million is dedicated to WHO’s base budget for 2025–2028.
“Eight donors made flexible contributions, considered the most valuable type of funding, and four were first-time donors,” he said.
Ghebreyesus also highlighted the impact of individual giving through the One World Movement, where nearly 8,000 people had signed on as “Member Citizens,” contributing close to $600,000 in donations.
Speakers at the event underscored the importance of continued investment in WHO, particularly emphasising the strategic value of flexible and diversified financing to keep the organisation responsive, country-focused, and aligned with national health priorities.
“This event marks a pivotal moment in WHO’s journey toward more sustainable funding.
“Each contribution brings us closer to achieving better health for all, united under the mission of ‘One World for Health’,” Ghebreyesus said.
Key contributions announced: are Angola: $8 million, Cambodia: $400,000, Gabon: $150,000, and Mongolia: $100,000.
Others are Qatar: $6 million, Sweden: €12 million ($13.5 million), Switzerland: CHF 33 million ($40 million), and Tanzania: $500,000 (in addition to $500,000 previously pledged).
Also included are CIFF: $13 million (plus commitment for more), ELMA Philanthropies: $2 million.
Others are Foundation Botnar: CHF 8 million ($9.6 million), Laerdal Global Health: $12.5 million, Nippon Foundation (Mr Sasakawa): $9.2 million, Novo Nordisk Foundation: DKK 380 million ($57 million).
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has warned that West Africa and the entire African continent are at risk of severe climate-related disasters.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, (3rd left) with others at the regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo credit: NAN
Keyamo raised the alarm while declaring open a regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Abuja.
According to him, climate-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, with vulnerable communities often bearing most of the impacts.
He said that the challenges had far-reaching implications for food security, water availability, public health, transportation, energy systems, livelihoods, national security and overall socio-economic stability.
“Now, more than ever in recorded history, West Africa is faced with various weather and climate-related threats.
“These include erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, heavy thunderstorms, destructive windstorms, intense flooding, increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.
“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.
“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target,” he said.
Keyamo said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) 2023 State of the Climate Report states that climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose two to five per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually.
According to him, the report says many West African countries divert up to nine per cent of their budgets to respond to climate extremes as rainfall deficits led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.
“In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.
“The need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.
“In recognition of these important roles, Nigeria established the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in 2003 and was amended in 2022,” he said.
The minister explained: “NiMet’s mandate is to provide weather, climate, and hydrometeorological information for the safety of lives and property, and socio-economic development across all sectors.”
He said that NiMet, whose contributions to the development and practice of meteorology in the ECOWAS region covered a wide range of areas, had evolved into a modern, science-driven agency.
Keyamo said that NiMet had become not only the authoritative source of meteorological information for Nigeria but also a trusted partner and leader in West Africa and beyond.
He noted that the agency’s pioneering work on Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) had become a template for other Meteorological Services in the region.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has remained firmly committed to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration.
“Investments in modernisation, human capital development, and international partnerships continue to reflect our firm belief that weather, climate and hydrological information is vital to national and regional development.
“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027,” Keyamo said.
Keyamo said that Nigeria was fully committed to supporting not only NiMet but also the wider ECOWAS community in its shared quest to build a climate-smart, weather-ready West African region.
“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others.
“I want to implore all of us to see this meeting as a means of exploring new and innovative ways to deepen cooperation, share best practices, and harmonise efforts for the collective benefit of our people.
“The challenges we face are common, and so too must be our solutions,” the minister added.
Speaking earlier, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, noted that West Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change.
She, however, said the region was one of the least equipped with the data, infrastructure, and systems required for effective climate resilience.
“Recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47 per cent increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over 1.3 billion dollars.
“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10 per cent in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures.
“This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast,” Toure-Litse, represented by Mr. Bernard Koffi, said.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of generating climate forecast information from meteorological and hydrological directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.
This, she said, underscored the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and meteorological capacity that were now referred to collectively as hydromet services.
Toure-Litse encouraged the meteorological and hydrological directors to fulfill their role according to the regular and urgent needs from populations.
“Our populations, particularly those who live in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt.
“The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasised by African ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.
“According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in early warning systems can yield up to 9 dollars in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity,” she added.
Also speaking, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet Director-General, said the event was an opportunity for participants to agree on practical measures to improve the performance of meteorological and hydrological services within the region.
He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.
“Through artificial intelligence, enhanced satellite technology, big data integration and collaborative partnerships, meteorology is witnessing a renaissance that promises to improve predictive accuracy and user engagement.
“The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events ranging from floods and droughts to heat waves and storms pose significant challenges to our economies, aviation safety, food security, water resources, national security and overall well-being of our people,” he said.
