The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has inaugurated a dedicated research and integration team to accelerate the deployment of Artificial Intelligence across its meteorological and climate service operations. The initiative reflects NiMet’s determination to modernise forecasting systems while aligning with national digital transformation priorities. By embedding AI into core workflows, the Agency aims to deliver faster, more accurate, and more accessible weather information for critical sectors.
At the inauguration ceremony, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Anosike, explained that the team will focus on identifying practical opportunities for applying AI within meteorology. He noted that the mandate also includes developing standards and best practices to ensure that AI tools are responsibly and efficiently integrated into operational forecasting systems. According to him, this approach will enhance prediction accuracy through hybrid models that combine data-driven insights with traditional physics-based methods.
Artificial Intelligence Driving NiMet Forecasting Modernisation
The initiative highlights NiMet’s strategic shift towards complementing decades of conventional forecasting expertise with emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies. Rather than replacing established systems, Artificial Intelligence is being positioned as a force multiplier that strengthens decision-making and improves service delivery. This balanced approach ensures that innovation enhances reliability while preserving scientific rigour in national weather prediction and climate monitoring.
Prof. Anosike stressed that building in-house capacity remains central to sustaining NiMet’s technological leadership within the public sector. He observed that Artificial Intelligence adoption must be accompanied by skilled personnel who understand both meteorology and digital systems. Therefore, the Agency is prioritising internal knowledge development to ensure Artificial Intelligence solutions remain transparent, ethical, and aligned with public interest objectives.
The relevance of Artificial Intelligence to aviation safety featured prominently in the discussion, given NiMet’s statutory role in supporting flight operations. Enhanced forecasting accuracy improves pilots’ situational awareness and assists airlines in managing weather-related risks more effectively. In addition, Artificial Intelligence-driven analytics can support agriculture planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience, extending the benefits of improved forecasts beyond aviation into broader national development goals.
Members of the Artificial Intelligence Research and Integration Team were drawn from across NiMet’s technical and operational units, reflecting a deliberate multidisciplinary structure. This internal collaboration is expected to promote knowledge sharing and ensure that Artificial Intelligence solutions are grounded in operational realities. By combining expertise from forecasting, research, ICT, and climate services, the Agency is laying the foundation for sustainable innovation.
Beyond immediate operational gains, NiMet views Artificial Intelligence as a long-term investment in institutional resilience. The Agency believes that adaptive forecasting systems will be better equipped to respond to climate variability and extreme weather events. As AI models continue to learn from expanding datasets, NiMet expects improvements in early warning systems that support national preparedness and economic stability.
The inauguration of the AI Research and Integration Team therefore represents more than a symbolic milestone. It signals NiMet’s intention to remain proactive in adopting emerging technologies while maintaining scientific credibility. Through responsible Artificial Intelligence integration, the Agency is positioning Nigeria’s meteorological services to meet evolving demands in aviation, climate adaptation, and public safety with greater confidence and precision.
