BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has highlighted how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now stands at the heart of modern weather science.
According to him, the accuracy and reliability of today’s meteorological services depend heavily on ICT-driven systems that power forecasting, data gathering, analysis, and real-time dissemination.
Professor Anosike made the assertion during a courtesy visit to Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on November 3, 2025.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration and identifying strategic areas of partnership between the two federal institutions.
In his welcome remarks, NITDA boss Kashifu Inuwa expressed delight at the partnership, describing it as “long overdue.” He said, “Better late than never,” and emphasised that information technology remains a catalytic tool for transformation across all professions.
Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s mandate to deepen and accelerate the adoption of digital technology within key sectors of the economy.
Building on that point, Anosike underscored that meteorology and ICT are inseparable in today’s data-driven world.
“ICT is essential to modern meteorological services, enabling weather forecasting, data collection, analysis, and dissemination,” he said.
He explained that the collaboration will enhance the credibility and efficiency of NiMet’s services, particularly in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, the blue economy, and disaster risk management.
Professor Anosike also disclosed that NiMet has developed an innovative in-house weather solution known as METEOWIZ—a first-of-its-kind digital platform in Africa. He noted that the system was entirely built by NiMet’s technical team and represents a major leap in indigenous technological innovation.
“The partnership with NITDA will help standardise our systems and open opportunities for exporting homegrown meteorological technologies,” he added.
Both agencies agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage ICT for enhanced meteorological data management and dissemination.
They also resolved to explore joint initiatives in capacity building, digital innovation, data governance, and public service delivery.
To drive implementation, the two Director Generals announced plans to set up a Joint Technical Committee that will identify and execute collaborative projects aimed at integrating advanced IT solutions into NiMet’s operations.
Anosike’s visit to Inuwa, industry watchers say, marks a major step toward aligning Nigeria’s digital and meteorological ambitions, fostering innovation, improving service delivery, and strengthening resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
