The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has unveiled the PUMA 2025 Satellite Receiving System in Abuja to improve weather forecasting accuracy. The system is powered by Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) technology from the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
This development forms part of the Preparation for Use of Meteosat in Africa (PUMA 2025) and the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA). The initiative is being coordinated by the African Union Commission (AUC) and supported by funding from the European Union (EU).
During a formal ceremony held on Monday, 5th May 2025, at NiMet headquarters, Director General Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Professor Charles Anosike, described the innovation as a game-changer. According to him, the MTG system offers better image resolution and increased data frequency, which translates into more reliable and faster weather forecasts.
He explained that the deployment will play a vital role in strengthening the country’s early warning infrastructure. “This system supports the Federal Government’s focus under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bolster weather services and protect lives and property nationwide,” Professor Anosike noted.
The new system will replace the older PUMA 2015 version, which will be phased out by the end of 2026. Professor Anosike stressed that the 2025 upgrade aligns with global best practices and ensures Nigeria remains at the forefront of meteorological development in Africa.
Acknowledging key supporters, Professor Anosike expressed gratitude to the African Union and European Union for making the satellite system a reality. He stated that the improved technology will significantly advance NiMet’s forecasting capabilities. “We are now better positioned to anticipate extreme weather events and issue alerts that could save lives,” he added.
The system’s deployment, scheduled for this week, will include installation, formal certification, and full commissioning. Following this, NiMet will begin nationwide dissemination of weather data generated from the MTG satellite.
With the new PUMA 2025, Nigeria is now equipped with superior satellite-based tools that improve weather forecasting accuracy, helping sectors like aviation, agriculture, and disaster management plan ahead.
This advancement also places Nigeria on a stronger footing in global climate observation efforts, ensuring that the country remains responsive to the growing challenges of climate change.
