As climate change intensifies extreme weather patterns, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has called for increased investment in early warning systems to mitigate disasters, protect livelihoods, and boost economic resilience.
Speaking at the 2025 World Meteorological Day celebration in Abuja, NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, highlighted the agency’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s forecasting capabilities. This year’s event, themed “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,“ emphasized global efforts to ensure timely climate alerts reach vulnerable communities.
“Early warning systems are more than just forecasts—they are life-saving tools that protect communities and drive economic growth,” Anosike said. “For every dollar invested, we see a tenfold return, preventing losses and safeguarding national development.”
NiMet has been expanding its Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), daily weather forecasts, and impact-based bulletins to help Nigerians prepare for extreme weather. Anosike stressed that modernized hydrometeorological infrastructure is key to reducing disaster risks, ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary tools to interpret and act on weather predictions.
WMO: Global Cooperation
Reaffirming the need for international collaboration, Benard Gomez, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) North-Western African Representative, delivered a message on behalf of WMO Secretary-General, Prof. Celeste Saulo. He emphasized that climate data sharing remains critical for national security and economic stability.
“Without global coordination, each country would struggle to collect and analyze climate data independently,” Gomez stated. “The free exchange of weather-related information strengthens key sectors like agriculture, aviation, energy, and disaster management, preventing billions of dollars in economic losses.”
Gomez also warned that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures briefly surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The implications, he said, are severe—rising temperatures are fueling more intense heatwaves, floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones that threaten ecosystems and human settlements.
A Call for Unified Action
NiMet and WMO are urging policymakers, businesses, and communities to prioritize climate preparedness through investment in early warning infrastructure. With Nigeria experiencing more frequent weather extremes, the need for stronger meteorological systems has never been more urgent.
“No one should be left behind when it comes to accessing life-saving climate information,” Anosike concluded. “It’s time to close the early warning gap and ensure every Nigerian can prepare, adapt, and thrive in a changing climate.”
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