The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) says that its real-time climate forecasts are documented and widely disseminated for public use. Special partners receive analysis and guidance on how to act.
Haruna Zakari, a General Manager in the agency and also Technical Adviser to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, spoke to the Nigerian Flight Deck and said the agency provides weather outlooks, heavy rain forecasts, and impact-based forecasts. “These forecasts are critical and publicly available to help manage risks,” he said.
Zakari, also the Coordinator of Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), emphasized that NiMet provides a heavy rain forecast every three days which is available on NiMet’s website and distributed to key stakeholders to support action plans.
According to DG/TA, agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigeria Hydrological Services (NIHSA) rely on NiMet’s forecasts for disaster management.
“We discuss NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document with federal and state agencies for early warnings and planning for 2024,” Zakari added. NEMA is an integral part of this process. NiMet ensures its predictions are acted upon through several key strategies. First, it focuses on timely dissemination. Sharing forecasts promptly with stakeholders like NEMA and the Ministry of Agriculture enables quicker decision-making. Additionally, NiMet is strengthening collaborations with these agencies to ensure coordinated actions based on its forecasts.
Zakari stated that other special partners use NiMet’s forecasts to prepare anticipatory actions.
He asserted that public awareness campaigns are also crucial. By educating communities about weather risks and the importance of heeding warnings, NiMet can drive proactive responses. Moreover, providing clear, impact-based guidance helps stakeholders know exactly what actions to take.
