The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has pledged to collaborate with the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU). This partnership aims to enhance the food security dashboard with critical meteorological data.
Led by Marion Moon, Secretary of the PFSCU Board, the team met NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, in Abuja. Their goal is to expand the food security dashboard and stress the importance of timely data.
Ms. Moon highlighted NiMet’s crucial role in national food security. “Given the current food crises, Mr. The President approved the Food Systems Coordination Unit creation in June 2024. The unit supports strategic data analysis for food security and the renewed hope agenda,” she said.
“PFSCU is dedicated to food systems and dashboard expansion. Accurate data from NiMet is essential for Mr. President and the economic team,” she added.
Ms. Moon emphasized the need for data from NiMet and partners to advise on mitigating risks like flooding and drought. “This information must be readily available for effective decision-making,” she concluded.
In response, Professor Anosike detailed NiMet’s extensive role, noting the agency’s 100 years of meteorological and climate data. “Weather forecasting is our primary task. Climate science helps in adaptation and mitigation strategies,” he said.
“The early warning system, a UN initiative, integrates NiMet due to national and international obligations. We provide comprehensive coverage for early warnings and climate disasters,” he added.
Professor Anosike pointed out that NiMet’s seasonal climate predictions are publicly available in local languages for farmers. “We use radio and other channels to disseminate information, helping farmers make better decisions,” he explained.
“We will collaborate with PFSCU and provide the necessary data for the food security dashboard,” Professor Anosike confirmed.
