The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening their collaboration in addressing climate change.
A statement from NiMet on Monday highlighted that this partnership is crucial for Nigeria’s continued socio-economic development.
Speaking during a meeting at the NGF’s office in Abuja over the weekend, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and CEO of NiMet, emphasized that a formal partnership between NiMet and the NGF would benefit the country and its citizens.
He noted that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events is significantly affecting communities across Nigeria, with annual losses in lives, displacement of families, and economic damage.
“These extreme weather events also contribute to human trafficking, disease outbreaks, and other harmful consequences,” Anosike added.
He further explained that both NiMet and NGF are committed to taking proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The MoU between the two organizations will formalize their collaboration, ensuring that weather and climate information reaches every corner of Nigeria, especially vulnerable communities.
“By coordinating our efforts, we can reduce the impact of climate change. Our collaboration will ensure that weather and climate information reaches the Nigerian people,” Anosike said.
He also emphasized the importance of weather and climate information in supporting sustainable economic development, pointing out that early warning systems are essential in helping people prepare for extreme weather events. “Early warning systems ensure that vulnerable populations receive timely information to act proactively, rather than reactively. When done effectively, early warnings save lives,” he said, calling for strong, coordinated leadership from all relevant stakeholders.
Anosike highlighted NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as a key early warning tool, aligned with the United Nations’ Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, spearheaded by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
On his part, Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, acknowledged the severe impact of climate change on national and global economic well-being.
