BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To explore synergies in advancing President Tinubu’s food security agenda, the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) initiated a crucial dialogue with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to bring the initiative into fruition.
The PFSCU delegation, led by Marion Moon, Secretary of the PFSCU Board and Technical Assistant on Agriculture to the President in the Office of the Vice President, met with Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet On Thursday, 22nd August 2024.
During the meeting, Ms. Moon emphasized the indispensable role that NiMet plays in ensuring food security across Nigeria.
She highlighted that in response to the current food crises and the vital importance of agriculture to the nation, President Tinubu approved the creation of the PFSCU in June 2024.
“The unit, anchored in the Office of the Vice President, is designed to provide strategic data analysis, enabling Mr. President to make informed decisions aimed at securing food for all Nigerians, in line with the priorities outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
Ms. Moon emphasised the PFSCU’s focus on enhancing food systems, particularly through the expansion of the food security dashboard, saying It is critical that Mr. President and the economic team have access to accurate and timely information.
Her words; “NiMet’s meteorological data is a key component of this. With the challenges posed by climate change, including frequent flooding and droughts, the ability to plan effectively is more important than ever. We need NiMet’s data to inform decision-makers at the highest levels, helping to mitigate risks and ensure resilience.”
In response, Professor Anosike expressed NiMet’s commitment to supporting the PFSCU’s mission.
He outlined the agency’s extensive experience, noting that NiMet has over a century of meteorological and climate data at its disposal.
“Our primary role is weather forecasting, observing, and monitoring the atmosphere.
“Climate science is at the core of our efforts to support adaptation and mitigation strategies. NiMet is deeply involved in all related activities, including the UN’s early warning initiatives, as we are committed to fulfilling both our national and international obligations.”
Professor Anosike further highlighted the public outreach efforts of NiMet, including the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) report, which is published in various local languages and disseminated to farmers across the states.
“We also leverage radio and other media to ensure that this critical information reaches farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions.”
He assured the PFSCU of NiMet’s full cooperation, stating, “We are ready to work closely with PFSCU, providing the data and information necessary to enhance the food security dashboard and support President Tinubu’s vision for a food-secure Nigeria.
The collaboration between PFSCU and NiMet marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s food systems, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and climate resilience.
