The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has successfully completed the installation of an advanced satellite forecasting system, marking a major technological leap. This follows the unveiling of the PUMA 2025 – Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite system on Monday, May 5, 2025, at NiMet headquarters in Abuja. The installation was finalised on Friday, May 9, 2025.
The MTG satellite system offers a web-based data portal for accessing its imagery and sounding data. This portal allows users to view and download the data in various formats, enabling them to use it for weather forecasting, nowcasting, and other applications.
The upgraded system includes the Preparation for Use of Meteosat in Africa (PUMA 2025) and the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Satellite Receiving System.
This advanced satellite forecasting system replaces the outdated MSG 2015 station. Unlike its predecessor, MTG can support multiple forecast offices from a single location via the internet.
According to Director General and CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, this innovation will help NiMet deliver faster and more accurate weather information.
Professor Anosike expressed his appreciation to EUMETSAT, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the European Union for supporting this milestone achievement.
He also commended Telecom Engineer Pierre Harris Koumda of Tecnavia for his role in implementing the satellite system upgrade in Nigeria.
This newly deployed technology provides a web-based portal for accessing real-time satellite imagery and sounding data from various NiMet stations nationwide.
Users can now view and download data in different formats. This includes information for weather forecasting, early warnings, and nowcasting across sectors.
The system offers direct support for airport forecast offices across Nigeria, linking them through internet-based access and removing the need for separate deployments.
As a result, NiMet will save operational costs while expanding its capacity to deliver prompt meteorological services at strategic aviation locations.
This development also ensures that Nigeria aligns with global standards in meteorological services. It positions the country to better respond to severe weather events.
In addition, the MTG installation forms part of the broader PUMA 2025 framework, which enhances weather monitoring across the African continent.
With the system now operational, the agency is optimistic about boosting public safety, aviation safety, and environmental resilience nationwide.
In his remarks, Professor Anosike emphasised that MTG marks the start of a new era in climate monitoring and forecasting in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to delivering timely and science-based weather data, especially in response to climate-induced emergencies.
Through international collaborations and investments in innovation, NiMet aims to remain a key contributor to sustainable development in Nigeria.
While concluding the installation ceremony, NiMet management assured stakeholders that the system would be maintained for long-term efficiency.
They also encouraged aviation stakeholders and government bodies to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities the system provides.
By integrating its operations with satellite data, NiMet ensures consistent and high-quality meteorological outputs for both aviation and public safety use.
Transitioning from the older MSG model to MTG signifies a major win for national infrastructure, particularly within the aviation meteorology space.
As Nigeria faces growing climate variability, systems like MTG will become essential for providing timely warnings and disaster response support.
