The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to strengthening proactive, data-driven disaster preparedness in Nigeria.
Prof. Anosike made this known at the Anticipatory Action National Conference convened by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Nigeria.
Delivering his goodwill message, Prof. Anosike underscored the urgency of anticipatory action, noting the country’s continued vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
He highlighted the potential of early warnings to save lives and reduce losses, recalling Nigeria’s experience during last year’s floods.
“Last year, early warning systems helped save thousands of lives during the devastating floods in Nigeria—imagine the impact we could have if data-driven anticipatory action were implemented across the nation,” he stated.
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Prof. Anosike also outlined NiMet’s ongoing investments in upgrading weather observation and forecasting systems through an expanded meteorological network and advanced technologies.
He emphasised that tools like the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) have become indispensable for farmers, policymakers, emergency responders, and urban planners nationwide.
By offering timely insights on rainfall patterns, drought likelihood, and extreme events, the SCP, he said, continues to empower communities to prepare, adapt, and make informed decisions.
Highlighting the need for shared responsibility, the NiMet DG stressed that anticipatory action requires a whole-of-society effort.
“It is not the responsibility of one agency alone. It demands a whole-of-society approach. Where communities are engaged, systems interoperable, and knowledge is shared freely,” he said.
While acknowledging persistent challenges such as data gaps and limited access to technology in rural areas, he expressed optimism that innovations in artificial intelligence, big data, and mobile platforms will significantly enhance Nigeria’s early warning and anticipatory response capabilities.
Prof. Anosike concluded by calling for deeper collaboration among stakeholders, urging participants to “think boldly and work closely. Together, we can move from reacting to disasters to anticipating and preventing them.”
In recognition of NiMet’s contributions to advancing data-driven solutions for disaster preparedness and climate resilience, Prof. Anosike was honoured with an award at the event.
Lateefah Ibrahim