The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has inspected and inaugurated the Agency’s Meteorological Data Rescue Project.
This marked a significant milestone in the preservation of Nigeria’s climate heritage and the strengthening of its scientific capacity.
The NiMet DG, Professor Charles Anosike said the project is aimed at securing invaluable historical weather and climate records, some of which date back to the 19th century and were previously at risk of permanent loss.
These records include handwritten observation logs, ship logs, and early instrumental data that extend Nigeria’s climate history beyond the digital era and fill critical gaps in existing archives.
Fragile paper records
Through a systematic process of recovery, preservation, and digitisation, the Meteorological Data Rescue Project safeguards fragile paper records and obsolete media, ensuring long-term accessibility of Nigeria’s analogue climate history.
The rescued data will play a vital role in improving climate modelling, enhancing weather forecasting, supporting disaster risk reduction efforts, and informing evidence-based policymaking.
It will also provide essential historical context for understanding current and future weather and climate trends.
Strategic investment
Speaking during the inspection and commissioning, Professor Anosike described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
He emphasised that the project goes beyond archiving, noting that it transforms historical data into a robust scientific foundation for climate resilience, sustainable development planning, and advanced meteorological service delivery.
He said the project aligns with global best practices promoted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and reflects NiMet’s commitment to modernisation and digital transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Prof. Anosike stated that it also enhances Nigeria’s contribution to global climate science by making historical atmospheric data available for modern analysis and informed decision-making.
With the successful commissioning of the Meteorological Data Rescue Project, NiMet continues to demonstrate leadership in climate data stewardship, digital preservation, and the strategic application of science and technology in support of national development.
Lateefah Ibrahim