The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Central Bank of Nigeria have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening economic data sharing and policy planning in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja on May 13, 2026, is expected to improve economic forecasting, agricultural planning, inflation monitoring, and climate-related decision-making. Therefore, analysts believe the partnership could deepen evidence-based governance across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, described the agreement as a major step toward integrating climate intelligence into national economic planning. He explained that weather and climate information now play a direct role in economic stability, especially within agriculture, transportation, and energy sectors.
According to Prof. Anosike, extreme weather conditions continue to threaten agricultural productivity and food security globally. He said the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly severe, particularly for developing nations dependent on agriculture and energy supply chains.
“Extreme weather events directly affect agricultural productivity, transportation systems, and energy infrastructure. Therefore, integrating meteorological information into economic planning is no longer optional,” Prof. Anosike stated.
He added that the partnership supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises food security and agricultural expansion. According to him, the Federal Government’s plan to cultivate 10 million hectares of land requires reliable weather intelligence to support productivity and reduce climate risks.
Meanwhile, Prof. Anosike referenced findings from the World Bank showing that climate-driven weather disruptions continue to worsen hunger across Africa. He noted that more than 87 million people currently face food insecurity in East and Southern Africa, while another 52 million remain vulnerable in West and Central Africa.
He also cited projections from Berkeley Earth indicating that 2026 may become the fourth warmest year on record globally. According to him, rising temperatures continue to influence economic data projections, commodity pricing, and agricultural output forecasts.
Economic data now central to policymaking
Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate of the CBN, Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, said the MoU represents a critical institutional partnership for Nigeria’s future economic management.
He explained that the country’s economic environment has become increasingly dynamic and unpredictable. Therefore, accurate and timely data remain essential for effective policy decisions and sustainable growth planning.
“The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between two institutions whose mandates intersect in research, statistics, and policy support,” Dr. Abdullahi said.
He added that the Economic Policy Directorate relies heavily on credible statistical information generated by NiMet. According to him, weather and climate data contribute significantly to inflation analysis, agricultural sector evaluation, and macroeconomic policy advisory functions.
Dr. Abdullahi stressed that stronger institutional cooperation would improve national data systems and support evidence-based policymaking across government agencies. In addition, he noted that the agreement would help policymakers respond faster to Fiscal disruptions caused by climate variability.
Industry observers believe the partnership could also support Nigeria’s aviation, insurance, disaster management, and financial sectors. Reliable climate intelligence increasingly influences investment planning, insurance modelling, and transport operations worldwide.
Climate intelligence shaping Nigeria’s future economy
Experts say climate information has become a strategic economic asset globally. Countries now integrate meteorological intelligence into monetary planning, agricultural financing, and infrastructure development.
The NiMet-CBN partnership reflects a growing recognition that economic resilience depends on accurate climate forecasting and coordinated national data systems. Consequently, the agreement may improve Nigeria’s preparedness for future environmental and economic shocks.
At the close of the ceremony, Prof. Charles Anosike and Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi formally signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions, sealing what many described as a transformative step for national coordination.
