The Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has called for stronger collaborations across sectors to build a climate-resilient Nigeria through actionable early warning systems.
Anosike made the call at the NiMet 2025 Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, September 10.
He said the forum, themed: “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action,” is the first of its kind in the Agency’s history.
According to him, the platform is designed to foster collaboration, share progress, co-create solutions and raise awareness on climate risks.
Anosike, also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), highlighted NiMet’s role as a critical enabler of early warning systems.
The NiMet boss noted that the agency carries out critical services to sectors including aviation, agriculture, marine economy, water resources, health, energy, disaster risk reduction, and construction.
“Early warnings must not end with forecasts alone; they must inspire understanding and drive decisive action,” he stressed.
Anosike showcased NiMet’s innovations, including:
“Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP): co-produced with stakeholders and translated into local languages for wider uptake.
“Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS): Leveraging partnerships with MTN, Tomorrow.io, UNDP, IFAD, and others to ensure every Nigerian is covered by life-saving early warnings by 2027.
“Aviation Services: Deployment of e-Flight Folders, ISO certifications of five airports, and the Aeronautical Meteorology Bulletin to enhance flight safety.
“Marine and Blue Economy Services: Daily marine forecasts in partnership with NIMASA, NIWA, and LASWA.
‘Public Weather Services: Modernized digital weather studio with advanced graphics and rebranded broadcast wednesday meteorologists.
“Research and Training: Certified Regional Training Centres in Lagos, Katsina, Kaduna and Akure to strengthen human capacity in meteorology,” he said.
He further cited recent infrastructure upgrades supported by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, (SAN) including the installation of advanced satellite and meteorological equipment.
The CEO urged stakeholders to continue providing constructive feedback and support, saying:
“Together, we can make early warnings count, reduce risks, protect investments, and secure the future of our nation in the face of a changing climate,” he added.
The Forum also featured goodwill messages from key partners.
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended NiMet’s role in providing timely forecasts that guide disaster preparedness.
Represented by the Director, South West Zonal Operations, Mr. Saheed Akiode, Umar pledged deeper collaboration with NiMet for effective risk reduction.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), represented by Mr. Farouk Ahmed, highlighted the critical impacts of climate change on aviation safety, operations, and infrastructure.
He described the Forum as timely for proffering localised solutions to climate change resilience and early warning systems.
By Fabian Ekeruche and Itohan Abara-Laserian