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The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has stressed that meteorology provides the foundation for sustainability reporting in Nigeria.
He made the statement during a high-level engagement with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) office in Lagos.
Prof. Anosike, who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), explained that NiMet’s mandate is to ensure reliable climate data for regulators, businesses, and investors.
According to him, accurate weather information drives effective decision-making across the financial and investment spectrum.
“NiMet’s data is critical for assessing the financial effectiveness of the emission factor, which is directly linked to economic and investment outcomes,” Anosike said. “Our role is to ensure access to evidence-based data that supports national and corporate strategies.”
At the meeting, NiMet presented a paper titled Socio-Economic Benefits of Agricultural Meteorology in an Emerging Economy: Risks and Opportunities. The paper detailed how timely forecasts help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, improve yields, and enhance food security. It also outlined opportunities for adaptation financing in agriculture and agribusiness.
Mr. John Briggs, Head of SEC Lagos Office, welcomed the initiative and stressed the need to embed NiMet’s climate data into the commodity value chain at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). He added that this integration would build resilience and improve market confidence.
Dr. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien of the IFRS Foundation also emphasized that sustainability reporting requires credible data to align with global standards. She noted that investors are increasingly seeking reliable evidence to guide responsible investment and risk management decisions.
The engagement reached a key consensus that while climate finance provides resources, meteorology supplies the science and data that underpin effective investments. Participants agreed that integrating NiMet’s climate services into sustainability reporting frameworks would boost transparency, attract funding, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Notable attendees included ISSB Board Member Professor Richard Barker, Dr. Neil Stewart, senior SEC officials, and NiMet representatives.
The meeting highlighted the strategic role of meteorology in sustainability reporting, reinforcing its value in strengthening governance, deepening financial stability, and advancing Nigeria’s climate leadership agenda.
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