Calls for more investment in NIMET

Following a warning by the World Economic Forum in its Global Risks Report that extreme weather poses a growing long-term threat, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has urged Nigeria to strengthen its resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Speaking  at the commemoration of the 2026 World Meteorology day  the representative of the WMO for North Central and the West African Regions- Dr Roland Abah noted that extreme weather has been identified as the top long-term global risk in the latest report by the World Economic Forum underscoring the scale of the challenge and the need to build more resilience.

It noted that Africa has recorded its warmest decade in the last 10 years, with increasing occurrences of extreme heat, intense rainfall, flooding, prolonged drought, and sand and dust storms.

He said “These are not distant problems, they are today’s reality all over the globe, including in Nigeria.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s celebration, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” Dr Abba  stressed that global observing and prediction systems remain critical to safeguarding lives and supporting economic activities.

He however called for increased investment in Nigeria Metrology Agency(NIMET)  adding that funding should not be left to government alone, he also called on the private sector and development partners to support the agency, noting that they are key beneficiaries of climate services.

The WMO representative stressed the need for sustained investment in meteorological observations to enhance early warning systems and safeguard the future.

Meanwhile the  Director General NIMET Prof Charles Anosike in his remarks also harped on the need for  increased private sector investment in climate and weather activities to strengthen meteorological observation systems and advance weather and climate services.

He however obsessed that  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 across the world.

The DG noted that it was in recognition of the importance of synergy with other agencies and the private sector, that his management  entered into several agreements, signed MoUs for improved quality service delivery  adding that they have also expanded services to some developing countries within the African region.

He stated that the theme of the celebration, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” is more than a theme, but a call to action which is why they are emphasising on investing today in the data and systems that will safeguard our future.”

Also speaking, the director, public affairs and consumer protection, NiMet, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji said  “the theme of the 2026 celebration, ‘Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,’ speaks directly to the the agency’s core mandate.

She said  “At NiMet, observation is not an abstract concept. 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.”