NiMet DG Urges Investment in Weather Observation Systems

On Wednesday, March 23, 2023, Professor Charl Anosike, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), called for urgent investment in weather observation systems to improve Nigeria's capacity to predict and respond to extreme climate events. Speaking at the 2026 World Meteorological Day celebration in Abuja, Anosike highlighted the importance of accurate and timely weather observations as foundational for forecasts and early warnings.

He noted that NiMet's 2025 climate report indicated that at least 23 Nigerian cities recorded extreme daytime temperatures exceeding 40°C, with Nguru experiencing 100 days of intense heat. Anosike stressed the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate events, emphasizing that without strong observation systems, accurate predictions and responses to climate risks would be impossible.

He pointed out ongoing efforts to modernize NiMet's infrastructure, including expanding surface and upper air observation networks and utilizing satellite data. Anosike also mentioned the need for deeper collaboration with the private sector to build a sustainable national observation system.