The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have agreed to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence-powered weather forecasting through the Multi-hazard, Alert, Zero-gap and Universal (MAZU) Platform.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council. The meeting brought together NiMet Director-General and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the WMO, Prof. Charles Anosike, and CMA Administrator and China’s Permanent Representative with the WMO, Dr. Chen Zhenlin.
The discussions reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and China while identifying new opportunities to strengthen weather and climate services. Both leaders agreed to collaborate on adopting and customising the MAZU artificial intelligence early warning platform to support Nigeria’s growing need for faster and more reliable weather information.
Prof. Anosike said the partnership would enhance Nigeria’s ability to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure through improved weather intelligence.
“Both Permanent Representatives expressed commitment to advancing cooperation through the adoption and customisation of the MAZU AI Early Warning Platform for Nigeria while leveraging emerging AI technologies to strengthen weather and climate services.”
Understanding MAZU Platform
The MAZU platform is an artificial intelligence-powered, cloud-based early warning system developed by the China Meteorological Administration. It integrates weather observations, satellite information, forecasting models and AI technology to produce faster, more accurate and impact-based warnings for governments, emergency agencies and the public.
Unlike conventional forecasting software, MAZU serves as a complete international cooperation framework. It combines advanced technology with operational systems, technical expertise, specialised equipment and capacity building. This integrated approach enables countries to develop end-to-end multi-hazard early warning systems rather than relying on isolated forecasting tools.
Another distinctive feature is its flexibility. Countries can customise the platform to reflect their geography, climate patterns and disaster risks. This allows national meteorological agencies to build warning systems suited to local operational requirements while benefiting from globally recognised forecasting technologies.
Artificial intelligence is embedded throughout the forecasting process. Instead of simply generating weather alerts, MAZU improves hazard monitoring, risk assessment, forecast accuracy, warning dissemination and emergency response planning. As a result, authorities can issue more targeted warnings that help communities prepare before severe weather strikes.
The platform also supports the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative, which seeks to ensure every person is protected by effective warning systems against hazardous weather, water and climate events. Therefore, adopting MAZU would strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to global efforts aimed at reducing disaster risks and improving climate resilience..
Meanwhile, both organisations also agreed to adopt a Memorandum of Understanding covering several strategic areas. These include deployment of the MAZU platform, staff exchanges, joint scientific research, data sharing, remote sensing, aviation meteorology research, knowledge exchange and scholarship programmes.
The agreement is expected to strengthen institutional cooperation while creating opportunities for innovation, professional development and socioeconomic benefits for both countries. In addition, the collaboration could improve Nigeria’s forecasting capabilities, particularly in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, disaster risk management and climate adaptation.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the partnership signals Nigeria’s commitment to embracing advanced technologies that deliver timely, accurate and life-saving weather information. Through MAZU, NiMet aims to modernise its services and improve the nation’s resilience against extreme weather and climate hazards.
