BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in partnership with Sahel Consulting, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) initiative, aimed at transforming access to climate information across Nigeria.
The two-day event, held in Abuja under the Building Agricultural Systems Resilience in Nigeria Project, also featured a Project Review Workshop bringing together stakeholders from agriculture, health, water resources, the blue economy, disaster management, and other sectors.
ENACTS combines ground-based observations with satellite data to deliver reliable, user-friendly climate information products.
A key highlight of the launch was the unveiling of NiMet’s Maproom portal, an interactive online platform providing over 40 years of high-resolution climate data at a 4km grid resolution.
The Maproom allows users to analyze and visualize climate trends, enabling evidence-based planning and decision-making across multiple sectors.
In his keynote address, NiMet Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, described the launch as “the presentation of a vision brought to life through consistency, partnership, and a shared commitment to national development.”
He added that ENACTS represents “a transformative step in making climate information accessible, relevant, and actionable for all Nigerians.”
Professor Anosike emphasised that the Maproom’s applications extend beyond any single sector, with a strong focus on agriculture.
He highlighted its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving food and nutrition security nationwide.
“The Maproom will provide farmers with precise information on rainfall patterns, temperature forecasts, drought risks, and dry spell alerts, empowering them to make climate-smart decisions and enhance food security,” he said.
He further noted that the initiative will bolster national resilience, strengthen early warning systems, and protect livelihoods from climate-related disasters.
Workshop participants engaged in sector-specific discussions and reviewed project milestones.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that ENACTS would drive innovation, enhance service delivery, and strengthen resilience in climate-sensitive sectors.
By bridging Nigeria’s climate information gap, ENACTS is expected to advance climate-smart practices, improve disaster preparedness, and reinforce NiMet’s position as a leading provider of meteorological services in Africa, while supporting the Federal Government’s goals for food security and sustainable development.
