BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
With weather-related challenges causing massive socio-economic disruptions at the subnational level, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are cementing ties to mitigate the impact of natural and man-made disasters and ultimately bolster growth.
At a meeting held at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Office in Abuja on Friday, November 22, 2024, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized the necessity of fostering a formal partnership between NiMet and the NGF. He highlighted that such a collaboration is crucial for the nation’s well-being and would significantly benefit the people.
“It is no longer news that we are witnessing increasingly frequent and severe weather events impacting our communities,” he stated.
“Each year, we tally the tragic losses—lives cut short, families and communities displaced, and extensive economic damage.
These extreme weather events also fuel a cascade of challenges, including human trafficking, disease outbreaks, and other profound societal consequences”, he said.
Professor Anosike went on to emphasize the shared commitment between NiMet and the NGF to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
He announced plans to formalise this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will serve as a framework to guide their collaborative efforts.
“If we can proactively collaborate and coordinate our activities, we should be able to reduce the impact of climate change. This is why NiMet has come to the NGF. Our collaboration will ensure that weather and climate information get to the last mile – the Nigerian people”.
Professor Anosike highlighted the indispensable role of weather and climate information in driving sustainable economic development for the nation’s people.
“Early warning systems are systematic activities that will ensure that weather and climate information get to the Nigerian people and to the vulnerable to ensure that they would be able to respond accordingly. Not reactively, but proactively. Early warning saves lives but for it to work effectively, synergistic leadership has to be demonstrated by all the relevant stakeholders”, he added.
The NiMet Director General also highlighted that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) serves as a vital early warning tool, aligning with the United Nations’ Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, spearheaded by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
“The forecast is a painstaking and rigorous scientific exercise that involves the utilization of global and regional models and other atmospheric drivers with strong teleconnection with our region to arrive at the outlook”, he stated.
The Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, highlighted the pervasive effects of climate change, stressing its detrimental impact on economic prosperity both at home and worldwide.
“NiMet is a critical federal government agency, hence the NGF has agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NiMet so that we can support and partner with them to implement all the climate change initiatives that the agency has in the interest of the Nigerian people”.
Alhaji Shittu also said; “Climate change is all about mitigation and adaptation. We have discussed a lot about that and what needs to be done. We have to face the reality of climate change and see how we can mitigate it, especially about preventing food shortages and ensuring food security. These are critical”.
