The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) are targeting stronger early-warning systems, expanded satellite-based observations and improved institutional capacity through three priority areas of cooperation. The partnership includes the proposed joint development of an artificial intelligence-powered MAZU operational platform for Nigeria, wider use of Fengyun satellite technology and deeper technical capacity-building. These initiatives could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to monitor weather threats and improve the delivery of timely warnings.
The two institutions discussed the priorities on the sidelines of the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting. The engagement also highlighted opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s meteorological infrastructure and support the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
CMA Outlines Three Strategic Priorities for NiMet
CMA Deputy Administrator, Mr Song Shanyun, outlined the three areas during the engagement, affirming China’s readiness to support meteorological development in Nigeria and beyond. He commended the Nigerian Government for hosting the annual meeting and praised NiMet’s leadership in advancing meteorological services. According to the Chinese delegation, stronger cooperation could support improvements in early warning, observation technology and institutional development.
The first priority involves the joint development of the MAZU operational platform for Nigeria. MAZU is an artificial intelligence-powered, multi-hazard early-warning system associated with China’s meteorological administration. Its urban application is designed to support the delivery of meteorological warning information for multiple hazards.
For Nigeria, the proposed collaboration could create opportunities to strengthen how weather-related risks are assessed and communicated. However, the discussions do not establish that a fully operational Nigerian MAZU platform has already been deployed. Further development and implementation details remain to be confirmed.
The second priority focuses on expanding the use of Fengyun satellite technology to strengthen meteorological observation. Satellite observations can complement ground-based weather stations by providing information on cloud development, atmospheric conditions and evolving weather systems. Improved access to such data could support forecasting and help meteorologists monitor potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The third priority centres on capacity-building and institutional development. This would deepen technical cooperation between both agencies, potentially supporting knowledge exchange, professional training and the development of operational capabilities. Together, the three priorities address technology, observation and the human expertise required to deliver effective early-warning services.
CMA Presents NiMet With MAZU-Equipped Tablets
At the close of the engagement, the Chinese delegation presented NiMet with two tablet devices equipped with the MAZU artificial intelligence agent for urban multi-hazard early warning. The devices are intended to serve as dedicated intelligent terminals for delivering meteorological warning information. Their presentation provides a practical starting point for engagement with the technology, although it does not establish the scope of any wider deployment.
The development comes as countries seek to improve early-warning coverage and strengthen preparedness against weather-related disasters. Nigeria faces the need to communicate relevant warnings effectively to communities, emergency responders and other decision-makers. Consequently, cooperation involving artificial intelligence, satellite observations and technical training could contribute to more responsive meteorological services.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) coordinates international efforts supporting weather, climate and water-related services. Its work on “Early Warnings for All” (https://wmo.int/activities/early-warnings-all) highlights the importance of making warnings accessible to everyone at risk. The initiative provides a relevant international framework for understanding the potential value of stronger cooperation between NiMet and the CMA.
NiMet Seeks Formal Agreement With CMA
Responding to the Chinese delegation, NiMet Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, thanked the CMA and the Chinese Government for sending six delegates to the annual meeting. He described their participation as evidence of commitment to meteorological development and called for the partnership to be formalised through a memorandum of understanding.
Professor Anosike said the proposed agreement should reflect Nigeria’s social and economic needs and practical meteorological requirements. This approach would help align cooperation with the country’s priorities rather than relying solely on technology transfer.
Both institutions also agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism to coordinate joint development activities and sustain progress across the proposed areas of cooperation. The mechanism could help maintain engagement as the agencies work towards defining the scope and implementation of their collaboration.
For Nigeria, the value of the partnership will ultimately depend on how effectively these priorities translate into improved observation, forecasting and warning delivery. The next steps include formalising cooperation, clarifying implementation arrangements and determining how the proposed technologies can support NiMet’s operational requirements.
The engagement therefore marks a step towards deeper meteorological cooperation between Nigeria and China, with early warnings, satellite technology and institutional development at its centre.
