NEMA, NiMet Alliance
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have intensified collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s early warning systems against climate-related disasters.
The renewed partnership was the focus of a high-level meeting between both agencies in Abuja. Officials said the move would improve disaster preparedness, coordination, and emergency response nationwide. The initiative comes as Nigeria faces increasing floods, heatwaves, windstorms, and irregular rainfall patterns.
Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, led the agency’s delegation to NiMet headquarters. She said the visit aimed to deepen institutional cooperation and improve Nigeria’s disaster management framework.
According to Mrs. Umar, timely weather information remains critical to emergency planning and public safety. She noted that stronger collaboration between NEMA and NiMet would help authorities respond more effectively to climate emergencies across the country.
She also proposed the integration of NiMet into the NEMA Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). According to her, such integration would improve coordination and support faster decision-making during disasters.
“Bringing NiMet into the operational structure of the Emergency Operations Centre will ensure real-time access to weather intelligence during emergencies,” Mrs. Umar said.
The NEMA boss commended NiMet for the consistency of its daily weather forecasts. She also praised the early release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), describing it as essential for national planning and disaster risk reduction.
In addition, Mrs Umar acknowledged the reforms introduced under the leadership of Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike. She said the agency had recorded visible improvements in forecasting services and public communication.
Responding, Prof. Anosike welcomed the NEMA delegation and reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to climate resilience and disaster management in Nigeria.
He explained that NiMet, NEMA, and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have continued to work together in addressing climate-related threats. According to him, stronger inter-agency cooperation remains necessary for protecting lives and infrastructure.
Prof. Anosike stressed the need for a comprehensive Nigerian Early Warning System Roadmap. He said the roadmap should be jointly developed by NiMet, NEMA, and NIHSA.
“The roadmap will strengthen collaboration, coordination, and institutional trust among agencies responsible for disaster preparedness,” he said.
He added that the proposed framework would improve risk communication, data sharing, preparedness planning, and emergency response mechanisms nationwide.
According to the NiMet chief, communities require timely and reliable weather information before disasters occur. He noted that an effective warning system could significantly reduce casualties and economic losses.
Meanwhile, stakeholders believe the renewed NEMA partnership is timely. Nigeria continues to experience severe flooding and extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Recent incidents across several states have displaced communities and damaged infrastructure. Experts therefore insist that early warning systems remain vital for reducing disaster risks.
At the end of the meeting, both agencies agreed to establish a joint committee immediately. The committee will oversee the development and implementation of the Nigerian Early Warning System Roadmap.
Officials said the committee would define timelines, responsibilities, and collaborative strategies for implementation. The roadmap is expected to improve preparedness and strengthen institutional coordination nationwide.
The initiative also aims to ensure that vulnerable communities receive critical weather and hydrological information early enough to take preventive action.
