The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are working to ensure NiMet-NGF strengthen collaboration for mitigating climate impacts and boosting socio-economic development. Speaking at the NGF’s Abuja office on Friday, November 22, 2024, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMet, emphasized the significance of this partnership. He noted that solidifying the NiMet-NGF relationship would benefit Nigerians by addressing the devastating effects of extreme weather events. “It’s no longer news that we are seeing increasingly weather events that are affecting our communities. Every year, we count losses of lives, displacement of families, and severe economic damages,” Anosike said.
Professor Anosike highlighted that crises such as disease outbreaks and human trafficking, often triggered by extreme weather, demand immediate and coordinated efforts. To formalize their collaboration, NiMet and NGF will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He explained, “Our collaboration will ensure that weather and climate information get to the last mile—the Nigerian people. Proactively addressing these issues will reduce the impact of climate change significantly.” This step reinforces their mutual goal to ensure NiMet-NGF strengthen collaboration for greater national resilience.
Early warning systems, Professor Anosike added, are critical in saving lives and enabling communities to respond proactively. “For early warnings to work effectively, synergistic leadership is required from all stakeholders,” he stated. NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), a globally recognized tool under the UN’s Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, demonstrates their proactive approach. According to him, the SCP reflects rigorous scientific research using regional and global models to forecast Nigeria’s climatic conditions accurately.
On behalf of the NGF, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, Director General of the Forum, reiterated the importance of partnering with NiMet to tackle climate challenges. He observed, “NiMet is a critical federal government agency, and the NGF is committed to supporting its initiatives for the benefit of Nigerians.” Alhaji Shittu emphasized the link between climate change, economic well-being, and food security, noting that mitigation and adaptation are essential priorities. “We must face the reality of climate change and focus on preventing food shortages while ensuring sustainable development,” he concluded.
By uniting resources and expertise, NiMet and NGF aim to create a climate-resilient Nigeria. Their collaboration will improve the accessibility of weather information, enabling vulnerable communities to adapt and safeguard their livelihoods.
