BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) have agreed to deepen collaboration on climate services, climate data management and national climate resilience initiatives as Nigeria intensifies efforts to tackle the growing impact of climate change.
The renewed partnership was discussed during a recent courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, to the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, Dr. Tenioye Majekodunmi.
During the meeting, both agencies agreed to work more closely in developing climate projections, strengthening early warning systems, standardising climate data and conducting joint research to support evidence-based policymaking and improve the country’s climate resilience.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Anosike described NiMet as the custodian of Nigeria’s long-term meteorological records, stressing that the agency provides the baseline atmospheric data required for climate trend analysis, climate risk assessment and the development of reliable climate projections.
He said, “NiMet provides the baseline atmospheric data required for climate trend analysis, climate risk assessment, and the development of reliable climate projections.”
The NiMet boss stressed the importance of closer collaboration between the two institutions in producing science-driven information that would enable governments at all levels to make informed decisions on climate adaptation and mitigation.
According to him, stronger cooperation would improve the downscaling of global climate projections into practical advisories for communities and climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water resources, transportation and disaster management.
Anosike also highlighted the growing importance of quality meteorological and climate data in accessing international climate finance, noting that both organisations could jointly pursue funding opportunities to support climate resilience projects.
He said, “Quality meteorological and climate data is a prerequisite for accessing international climate finance,” adding that the two agencies could explore joint funding proposals to strengthen early warning systems, climate infrastructure and Nigeria’s overall capacity to respond to climate change.
Responding, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, Dr. Tenioye Majekodunmi, welcomed the NiMet delegation and commended the agency for its sustained contributions to weather forecasting and climate services in Nigeria.
He expressed strong support for deeper institutional cooperation, noting that enhanced collaboration would strengthen the country’s climate governance framework and improve the delivery of climate information to policymakers and vulnerable communities.
As part of the discussions, both institutions agreed to formalise their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement will provide a framework for sustained collaboration in climate services, climate data management, climate research, early warning systems, capacity development and other areas of mutual interest.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda by strengthening institutional partnerships, improving climate services and promoting evidence-based actions aimed at protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
