The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Monday disclosed that investing in early weather warning systems saves countless lives, generates return on investment and strengthens economy.
Speaking in Abuja while celebrating ‘World Meteorological Day’, the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike said, “I’m delighted to welcome you all as we join the global community in celebrating the 2025 World Meteorological Day, commemorating the coming into force on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
“This annual event provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of meteorology in building a climate-resilient society and safeguarding lives and livelihoods”.
He explained that this year’s celebration is themed: “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,” reflecting a global commitment to strengthening early warning capabilities.
“Investing in early warning systems not only saves countless lives and livelihood, it generates ten times return on investment and strengthen economies. Of course, we’re excited by the progress made in expanding early warning systems coverage worldwide as we continued to experience increasing climate variability and extreme weather events.
“To support this global endeavour, the Nigerian meteorological agency has been engaged in strengthening forecasting and dissemination capabilities to ensure communities and individuals prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.”
ALSO READ: 2025 NiMET rainfall prediction: Oyo govt sensitises farmers to adopt climate -resilient practices
Anosike said “modernized hydrometeorological infrastructure is key to enhancing early warning and a solid step towards reducing the early warning gaps.
“At NiMet, we continue to work towards upgrading our weather systems, providing quality observation and robust weather forecasts to trigger pre-emptive measures and equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to interpret early warnings and respond with early actions.
“Today in Nigeria, we at NiMet have remained at the forefront of advancing early warning systems through science-based weather and climate services.
“Our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), daily weather forecast and bulletins, Impact-Based forecast and other publications have proven instrumental in disaster risk reduction across all socio-economic sectors.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders in the weather and climate service value chain to work together – across sectors and borders – to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving weather and climate information” the DG stated.
On his part, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) North-Western African Representative, Benard Gomez on behalf of the Secretary General, Prof. Celeste Saulo noted that “it is my pleasure to deliver this goodwill message as we commemorate the World Meteorological Day and the 75th Anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization as the United Nation’s authoritative voice on weather, climate, and water.
“Today – and indeed for the whole of this year – we celebrate the contribution of WMO and its Members to saving lives, serving society, and protecting our planet.During the past 75 years, the WMO community provided scientific evidence, information and services which has shaped decision making to safeguard and promote public well-being, and to make the world safer, more secure, and prosperous”.
He stated without WMO coordination and its unified network, each country would face the impossible task of collecting global data on its own.Every minute of every day, data flows from monitoring stations across the world to weather prediction centres.
“Free and unrestricted exchange of weather-related data, products, and services are critical to national security and to climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, aviation, marine, energy, health, water, and disaster management.
“These efforts have added value to the global economy in billions of dollars, and billions more have been saved by avoiding economic losses from weather, climate, and water-related hazards. And we have saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
“Today, humanity is faced with the challenges of Climate Change. The world witnessed the hottest 10 years on record in 2024.
“The year 2024 was also confirmed as the hottest year on record and is likely to be the first calendar year to temporarily hit 1.5 °C above the pre-industrial era.
“Every fraction of a degree matters to our lives, our livelihoods, and biodiversity as this increases our vulnerability and exposure to more frequent and intense heatwaves, more devastating storms, floods and drought, and more rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones.”
Gomez said in Nigeria, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, windstorms, floods, and dry spells has witnessed an increase in the last 10 years with huge implications for human lives and socio-economic development.
“WMO’s top overriding priority is to ensure that early warning systems protect everyone, everywhere on the planet.
“National ownership remains at the heart of the Early Warnings for All initiative, with governments leading efforts to strengthen resilience and establish sustainable early warning systems” he stated.
“CARE is committed to promoting women’s economic empowerment and ensuring protection systems are in place…
"These efforts aim to remove financial barriers to education, particularly for marginalised groups such as…
"This isn't just about machines—it's about food security, economic empowerment, and the future of our…
“They gained entry through the window after damaging the burglar-proof and carted away a 35-inch…
“Security is a national issue. If we genuinely want investment in Nigeria, we must address…
"When every government, at all levels, does what is right, there would be food security…
This website uses cookies.