The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has called for greater investment in weather observation systems across Africa to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence in weather forecasting and climate services.
Professor Anosike made the call while participating in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council Side Event on “Scaling AI-Powered Weather Services for Farmers” at the WMO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The high-level event brought together global leaders, meteorological experts, and development partners to explore how artificial intelligence can improve weather forecasting, strengthen climate services for agriculture, and enhance food security through innovative partnerships.
Speaking during the session, Professor Anosike stressed that effective AI-driven weather forecasting depends on the availability of high-quality observational data.
“Addressing observation and data gaps across Africa is critical to improving forecast accuracy and expanding climate services for farmers and other vulnerable communities,” he said.
He highlighted NiMet’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations, revealing that the Agency inaugurated an AI Research Team in January 2026 to drive the identification, evaluation, and operational deployment of AI and machine learning technologies.
According to him, NiMet has since developed key implementation frameworks, including AI Terms of Reference, Standard Operating Procedures, an AI Operational Framework with phased milestones, and documented AI use cases to support the adoption of the technology.
The NiMet Director-General also disclosed that the Agency is evaluating leading AI weather prediction models and developing the MeteoAI platform to improve weather forecasting, climate prediction, forecast verification, and early warning services.
“NIMET is assessing cost-effective computing infrastructure to support full-scale AI deployment,” he said.
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Professor Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and modern geospatial technologies to strengthen operational meteorology and advance the Early Warnings for All initiative across Africa, ensuring that farmers and vulnerable communities receive timely, accurate, and actionable weather and climate information.
