BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria will host top global leaders in weather, water and climate services as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) stages the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 in Lagos.
The three-day event, scheduled for October 13 to 15 at Eko Hotels & Suites, follows an invitation by the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for Nigeria to host the annual gathering.
The meeting will bring together the leadership of the WMO, 17 member institutions of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, development banks, climate funds, United Nations agencies, ministers, government officials, development partners, regional organisations, private sector players, academics and users of weather, water and climate services.
With the theme, “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services,” the meeting will be the first Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting to be hosted in Africa.
According to NiMet, the event will provide a platform to showcase Africa’s leadership in strengthening hydrometeorological services while advancing global efforts in disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resources management, aviation safety, energy, public health, climate adaptation and community resilience.
The agency said Nigeria’s hosting of the event reflects its growing leadership in strengthening meteorological and hydrological services and coordinating investments to improve weather and climate services.
The meeting will focus on five strategic priorities, including strengthening partnerships within the Alliance, mobilising sustainable investment, promoting innovation and public-private collaboration, improving user-centred services, and building resilient hydrometeorological systems.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will serve as the Chief Host.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NiMet and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the WMO, Professor Charles Anosike, said the meeting would highlight the importance of weather, water and climate services in supporting socio-economic development.
“Nigeria is proud to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 and promote the critical relevance of weather, water and climate services for de-risking national, regional and global socioeconomic activities,” Anosike said.
NiMet said further details on the meeting would be released through its official communication channels.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
