NiMet, AIRBDA Partner on River Basin Climate Resilience

To combat climate change impacts on river basins, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority are strengthening ties. This strategic collaboration seeks to improve river basin climate resilience by addressing disruptions to water systems, food production, and flood management.

Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized how climate change is shifting rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures.

“These changes can significantly alter the hydrology of river basins, resulting in increased frequency and intensity of floods or droughts,” he explained.

He warned that these environmental shifts threaten critical infrastructure, endanger livelihoods, and impact national food security.

Professor Anosike noted that meteorology and river basins are closely linked. Rainfall and temperature directly shape basin hydrology and water availability.

He also explained that physical basin features influence local climate patterns and can intensify weather-related risks.

He described the agency’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as a vital planning tool that supports disaster preparedness and climate-smart agriculture.

“Our flagship SCP provides early warnings that help decision-makers take preventive action against weather extremes, especially flooding,” he stated.

Professor Anosike called for deeper cooperation with the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to convert forecasts into community-level action.

He stressed that building river basin climate resilience requires joint planning, especially in areas prone to seasonal flooding and drought.

Managing Director of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka, appreciated the agency’s engagement.

He highlighted how the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s climate data and forecasts are essential for irrigation and dam management.

Nduka said accurate weather forecasts are critical to preventing water shortages and avoiding farming losses linked to shifting seasons.

He pledged that the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority would align more closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in promoting local adaptation.

Both agencies agreed to formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide joint implementation.

They committed to sharing technical expertise, supporting food security, and enhancing river basin climate resilience across the southeast.