Yemisi Izuora
In line with World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP) the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is presently providing Peer Advisory services to Liberia, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso, on Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). As part of this project, NiMet
has developed independent technical documentations, analysis, and
recommendations aimed at strengthening the observational capacity and infrastructure of these countries.
The services under this arrangement is in fulfillment of the Agency’s international obligations, particularly to the Least Developed Countries.
The Director-General/CEO, NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with World Meteorological Organisation, Prof. Charles Anosike, who disclosed these during the Celebration of the World Meteorological Day, said that despite these strides, the demands placed on meteorological services today are far greater than ever before.
He said that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and the lifespans of weather monitoring equipment are increasingly reduced by adverse weather.
According to Anosike, Governments, Communities, Businesses, and Livelihoods now rely more on timely and accurate weather information to make decisions that protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and sustain economic activities meet these growing expectations, no single institution or government can act alone.
“This is why the theme of this year’s celebration also calls for greater partnerships and collaboration, particularly with the private sector. The private sector has a critical role to play in strengthening meteorological observation systems and advancing weather and climate services. Across the world, private companies are increasingly investing in weather stations, remote sensing technologies, data analytics platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) weather models, and innovative observation tools that complement national meteorological networks.” he said
At NiMet, the CEO, said the Agency recognise that public-private collaboration is essential to achieving a robust and sustainable national observation system. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to
promote shared investments in meteorological infrastructure, improve data exchange, and encourage innovations in observation technologies.
“Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” is more than a theme, but a call to action,
which is critical, imminent, and obligatory. We are essentially emphasising on investing today in the data and systems that will safeguard our future. Every weather station installed today, every observation collected today improves our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics for decades to come and strengthens our predictability of future weather and climate events.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” reminds us of a simple but important truth: which is that the quality of tomorrow’s forecasts depends on the observations we make today. Weather and climate observations form the backbone of the science of meteorology.
He said every forecast, every early warning, and every climate outlook begins with accurate, timely, and reliable observations collected from land, water, air, and space.
Over the years, NiMet has continued to expand and modernise Nigeria’s meteorological infrastructure, adding, Our surface and upper-air observation networks, satellite data reception systems, and automatic weather stations provide the critical data required for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
These observations support safer aviation operations, improved agricultural planning, better disaster preparedness, maritime safety, and more informed decision-making across all sectors of the economy.
He also pointed out that the State of the Climate in Nigeria 2025 report shows that extreme daytime temperatures (40℃) were recorded across 23 Nigerian cities, with the most intense and persistent heat occurring between March and June.
The northwest and the northeastern states recorded the most intense heat. Nguru, Yobe State, recorded the highest number of hot days, with 100 days above 40℃. Also, the frequency and intensity of flood events are on the increase nationwide. All these and more are only possible with the help of quality observation information.
With the growing demand for meteorological information occasioned by climate
variability and change including extreme weather events, technological innovations,
growing knowledge and market size, the viability of private sector participation is assured.
He said Governments are creating the enabling policy environment for private investors to not only contribute to climate change adaptation but also recoup their investment through viable public-private joint ventures and tax-breaks.
He therefore called on industry leaders, technology innovators, research institutions, financial institutions, and development partners to work closely with NiMet in expanding Nigeria’s meteorological observation capabilities.