WMD: NiMet DG Calls for Urgent Investment in Weather Observation Systems

• Urges private sector to step up in climate action

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Director-General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, Wednesday called for urgent investment in weather observation systems, stressing that Nigeria’s ability to predict and survive extreme climate events hinges on the quality of data collected today.

Anosike, in his remarks at the 2026 World Meteorological Day celebration in Abuja, anchored his message on the theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.”

He emphasised that accurate and timely weather observations were the foundation of all forecasts, early warnings, and climate projections.

He stated that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events driven by climate change had made reliable meteorological data more critical than ever.

Anosike pointed to findings from NiMet’s 2025 climate report, which showed that at least 23 Nigerian cities recorded extreme daytime temperatures of 40°C and above, with Nguru experiencing up to 100 days of such intense heat.

He also identified a rising trend in flooding across the country, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effect of these events.

According to him, “These realities underline a simple truth, without strong observation systems, we cannot accurately predict or effectively respond to climate risks.”

The NiMet boss highlighted ongoing efforts by the agency to modernise its infrastructure, including the expansion of surface and upper air observation networks, satellite data systems, and automatic weather stations. He said these were already supporting critical sectors, such as aviation safety, agriculture, disaster management, and maritime operations.

However, Anosike maintained that government efforts alone were insufficient to meet growing demands, emphasising the need for deeper collaboration with the private sector. He said global trends showed increasing private investment in weather technologies, such as remote sensing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence-driven forecasting models, which were essential for building a sustainable and comprehensive national observation system.

“Every weather station installed today strengthens our ability to safeguard lives and economic activities in the future,” Anosike said, describing investment in meteorological infrastructure as “critical and imminent”.

He also revealed that NiMet was extending its technical expertise beyond Nigeria, providing advisory support to countries, such as Liberia, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso, under international cooperation frameworks coordinated by the World Meteorological Organisation.

Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NiMet, Bimbo Oladeji, said the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” spoke directly to the agency’s core mandate.

Oladeji stated that at NiMet, observation was not an abstract concept.

She said, “It is our network of synoptic stations, agrometeorological stations, upper-air stations, marine observations, and more, that we operate daily, often under challenging conditions, to keep Nigeria informed and safe.

“This year’s celebration is particularly important. It challenges us to rethink how we expand and sustain our observation systems. And this is where the role of everyone becomes critical.”

Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, said aviation and meteorology had always been inseparable partners, stating that professionals in meteorological services provide the “eyes” that allow Nigeria navigate the invisible complexities of the atmosphere.

Najomo said the event was a reminder that the safety of the skies depended on real-time, high-precision data.

The event brought together meteorologists, hydrologists, scientists, and policymakers, all echoing a common message: strengthening observation systems today is indispensable to securing Nigeria’s environmental and economic future.