The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance meteorological and climatological data sharing. This partnership aims to provide critical climate-smart information and standard meteorological services across various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, telecommunications, disaster management, and oil and gas. The collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to equip the 36 states with accurate weather data for economic growth and climate resilience.
During the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude to the NGF and its Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, for fostering this pivotal collaboration. “This is a piece of the puzzle we’ve been trying to solve,” he remarked. “For us to scale up access to weather information—not just for farmers but also for managing state airports—this partnership is vital. Without NiMet’s data, flights cannot operate safely, making this relationship indispensable.” READ ALSO: Fly Nigeria Act Will Happen Under My Tenure, Keyamo Vows
Professor Anosike further announced that the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, had approved the public presentation of the 2025 NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). Scheduled for February 4, 2025, the SCP will provide essential forecasts to guide agricultural planning and disaster preparedness. “The support of state governments is crucial for implementing the downscaling of these predictions,” Anosike emphasized. “Signing this MoU is a significant milestone, and we deeply appreciate the NGF’s dedication to this cause.”
In response, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, the Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, commended NiMet’s consistent efforts over the years. He acknowledged the value of NiMet’s forecasts, which have supported state planning and climate action for over a decade. “NiMet is doing an excellent job,” Shittu noted. “We still reference their forecasts from as far back as ten years ago. This MoU strengthens our ability to jointly address climate challenges and provide actionable data for agriculture and other critical sectors.”
This partnership will formalize and expand the collaboration between NiMet and NGF, enabling both entities to jointly address the growing impacts of climate change. With the signing of the MoU, the provision of meteorological and climatological data will be streamlined to assist the states in adapting to weather extremes and optimizing environmental planning.
The collaboration between NiMet and NGF is a crucial step in integrating meteorological data into national and state-level development strategies. By equipping states with reliable climate information, the partnership ensures that sectors like agriculture and aviation can thrive while mitigating risks associated with extreme weather. As Professor Anosike aptly concluded, “This relationship is not just important—it is transformational.”
