Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in early warning systems to protect communities from climate threats.

BY ANTHONY OMOH

Leaders from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) marked World Meteorological Day 2025 with a strong call to action. This year’s theme, “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in early warning systems to protect communities from climate threats.

Representing the Secretary General WMO, Celeste Saulo, Dr. Bernard Gomez highlighted the organization’s 75-year history as the UN’s leading authority on weather, climate, and water. He stressed that global data-sharing is essential, noting, “Every minute, data flows from monitoring stations worldwide to prediction centers, enabling life-saving forecasts.” Without this cooperation, individual nations would struggle to collect accurate data for reliable weather predictions.

Dr. Gomez described the climate crisis, revealing that 2024 was recorded as the hottest year in history. He stated that global temperatures are nearing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This warming trend has fueled extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have significantly affected Nigeria. “The frequency and intensity of extreme weather in Nigeria have surged, threatening lives, infrastructure, and food security,” he warned.

To address these threats, he reaffirmed WMO’s commitment to the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, a global effort ensuring widespread multi-hazard early warning system coverage. He urged national ownership, private sector engagement, and international collaboration. “Every dollar invested in early warnings saves nine dollars in economic losses. The time to act is now,” he declared. “Together, we can achieve a safer, more resilient Nigeria.”

Director General Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Professor Charles Anosike, celebrated NiMet’s progress in early warning systems. He cited innovations such as Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and Impact-Based Forecasting. However, he acknowledged gaps, including inadequate funding and difficulty in disseminating warnings to rural communities. “Early warning systems are only as effective as the partnerships supporting them,” he noted, calling for enhanced cooperation among government, businesses, and local communities.

Anosike paid tribute to the late Professor Godwin Obasi, former WMO Secretary-General and Nigerian meteorology pioneer. “His research emphasized the life-saving impact of forecasts, risk assessments, and public awareness—principles that remain vital today,” he said.

Director, Risk Reduction of NEMA, Mr. Simon Katu, stressed the agency’s collaboration with NiMet to integrate meteorological data into disaster response planning. He emphasized that early warnings must translate into action. “Gaps persist in ensuring warnings reach vulnerable populations, particularly in remote areas,” he stated, urging improved local dissemination strategies.

The event concluded with leaders emphasizing that bridging early warning gaps requires a united approach. They urged meteorologists, emergency responders, policymakers, businesses, and citizens, especially youth, to engage in strengthening early warning systems.

As Nigeria aligns with the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, the message remains clear: only through unity, innovation, and investment can the nation build a future where early warnings protect every life, in every community.