The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has taken a significant step towards enhancing weather monitoring and forecasting in Nigeria by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO). This partnership aims to expand NiMet’s network of weather stations across the country.
Professor Charles Anosike, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, expressed NiMet’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “On behalf of NiMet, I am proud to be associated with the TAHMO project. NiMet wishes to further the engagement by extending it to the marine sector as well.” The MoU was signed by Els Veenjoven and Prof. Ahmed Balogun on behalf of the TAHMO project.
In addition to this partnership, NiMet has also strengthened its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Both entities have signed an MoU to enhance agricultural production in Nigeria. The collaboration includes the development of a dashboard for early warning systems, capacity building for ministry staff and stakeholders on interpreting meteorological information, and the provision of agro-meteorological advisory services to farmers.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, welcomed the NiMet team and emphasized the importance of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction in various sectors of the economy. He highlighted the critical role of weather advisories in shaping agricultural practices, such as determining planting seasons and mitigating the impact of dry spells on agricultural investments.
The collaboration between NiMet and TAHMO, as well as the strengthened partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, underscores the commitment of both agencies to leveraging meteorological data for sustainable development in Nigeria. By expanding the network of weather stations and providing targeted advisory services, NiMet aims to enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and improve overall disaster preparedness.
