By Omoniyi David
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has issued a warning that extreme weather conditions in the coming days could lead to loss of lives, displacement of people, and widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, farmlands, and other properties.
Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during a sensitisation forum organised in collaboration with First Green White Resources.
Anosike stressed the urgent need for Nigerians to prepare for climate variability and its impacts, noting that climate change is driving increasingly unpredictable and severe weather patterns.
He called on the media to play a strategic role in helping disseminate accurate weather information to ensure public safety and resilience.
“The success of NiMet depends not only on the accuracy of our forecasts but also on how effectively we communicate them,” he said. “A well-informed public is a prepared and resilient one.”
He added that the agency remains committed to providing quality service in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, NiMet has enhanced staff capacity through local and international training and is taking steps to improve staff welfare.
Also speaking at the forum, NiMet’s Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Prof. Vincent Weli, disclosed that the agency is close to launching direct weather alerts to telecom subscribers.
“We recently signed an MoU with MTN to deliver weather updates to users directly on their mobile phones. We’re about 70 percent ready,” Weli said, adding that the goal is to eventually collaborate with all network providers to ensure Nigerians across all regions and languages receive timely weather information.
The initiative is aimed at improving disaster preparedness, safeguarding lives, supporting food security, and aiding sectors such as aviation by preventing weather-related incidents.
