BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s weather services through cutting-edge research and global partnerships, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence and aviation meteorology.
This push gained momentum following a strategic meeting with Koh Li-Na, Director-General of the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), held on the sidelines of Ecosperity Week 2026 in Singapore on Thursday.
At the high-level engagement, both leaders acknowledged the striking similarities in tropical weather systems between Nigeria and Singapore, as well as the critical role meteorological services play in supporting aviation safety and efficiency.
Central to the discussions was the integration of Artificial Intelligence into weather forecasting systems.
Both agencies explored pathways to accelerate the evaluation and deployment of AI-driven models to enhance forecast accuracy and speed.
The collaboration, according to officials, is expected to “ensure that weather forecasts are not only more accurate but also delivered faster,” with improved downscaling capabilities that can better serve local needs.
Such advancements are projected to deliver far-reaching benefits across key sectors including aviation, agriculture, marine operations, healthcare, and disaster risk management, areas heavily dependent on precise and timely weather intelligence.
NiMet and MSS, both ISO-certified for aviation meteorological services, also examined Singapore’s successful model of collaborative aviation research involving its civil aviation authorities.
The talks considered replicating similar provider-user partnerships in Nigeria to foster co-developed, data-driven solutions tailored to the aviation industry.
Beyond forecasting, the meeting delved into institutional and operational frameworks, including cost-recovery mechanisms, legal structures, and the deployment of AI tools to boost workforce productivity.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of robust Quality Management Systems (QMS) in driving efficiency and maintaining high workplace standards.
Both countries, active members of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), underscored the value of international cooperation in tackling evolving climate and weather challenges.
While Nigeria hosts the WMO Office for North, Central and West Africa, Singapore serves as host to the WMO Regional Office for Asia and the South-West Pacific.
Reinforcing the urgency of collaboration, the two meteorological chiefs stressed that “global partnerships, cross-border cooperation, and mutual learning in meteorology are essential” to improving forecasting precision, strengthening institutional capacity, and delivering life-saving early warning systems.
The meeting signals a strategic pivot by NiMet to leverage global expertise and emerging technologies in transforming Nigeria’s meteorological landscape, with implications for safer skies and more resilient economic planning.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
