The Director-General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has urged wider collaboration across different sectors to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to withstand climate impacts. This call was made during NiMet’s 2025 Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum in Lagos, which focused on improving climate risk awareness and early action.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Anosike said the forum, themed “Early warnings: raising awareness on climate risks and promoting early action”, was the first of its kind for the agency. He explained that the platform’s purpose is to encourage cooperation, track progress, co-design solutions, and help people understand climate threats so they can act sooner.
Anosike highlighted NiMet’s growing role in delivering early warning services that benefit many key sectors, including aviation, farming, marine activity, water resources, health, energy, disaster risk reduction, and construction. He stressed that weather forecasts should go beyond predictions to actually inspire understanding and prompt decisive steps toward safety and resilience.
At the forum, Prof. Anosike also shared several NiMet initiatives. These include Seasonal Climate Prediction products tailored with stakeholder input and translated into local languages, and Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS), which leverage partnerships with organisations like MTN, Tomorrow.io, UNDP and IFAD to reach every Nigerian with life-saving alerts by 2027.
Other services highlighted included improvements in aviation weather support with e-Flight Folders and ISO certifications at five airports, daily marine forecasts with partners, and upgraded public weather broadcasting through a digital studio. NiMet is also expanding research and training through certified regional centres across the country.
Prof. Anosike pointed to recent investments in advanced satellite and meteorological equipment supported by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN). He urged stakeholders to continue offering feedback and support, saying joint efforts can help reduce risks, protect investments, and safeguard Nigeria’s future against climate threats.
Officials from partner agencies also spoke at the forum. The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) praised NiMet’s role in disaster preparedness forecasts and pledged closer collaboration. Representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency highlighted how climate change affects aviation safety and stressed the importance of localised climate solutions.