NiMet Showcases AI Strategy for Smarter Weather Forecasting at Global WMO Forum
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen weather forecasting, climate services and early warning systems, particularly for farmers and vulnerable communities across Africa.
Prof. Anosike made the commitment while participating in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council Side Event on “Scaling AI-Powered Weather Services for Farmers”, held at the WMO Headquarters.
The high-level forum brought together global meteorological leaders, development partners and climate experts to explore how AI can transform weather services, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen global food security through enhanced partnerships.
Speaking during the session, the NiMet Director-General stressed that the success of AI-driven weather prediction depends fundamentally on the availability of accurate and reliable meteorological observations.
He noted that many African countries continue to face significant observation and data gaps, which must be addressed if the continent is to fully harness the benefits of artificial intelligence in weather and climate services.
According to him, investment in observation infrastructure remains the foundation upon which effective AI-powered meteorological systems can be built.
Prof. Anosike also highlighted the deliberate steps NiMet has taken to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations, positioning the agency among meteorological institutions embracing emerging technologies to improve forecasting accuracy and service delivery.
He disclosed that NiMet inaugurated its AI Research Team in January 2026 with the mandate to identify, evaluate and operationalise artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies across the agency’s activities.
Since the team’s establishment, the agency has developed a comprehensive governance framework for AI implementation, including Artificial Intelligence Terms of Reference (TOR), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), an AI Operational Framework with phased implementation milestones, and documented AI use cases to guide the responsible deployment of the technology.
The Director-General explained that NiMet is currently evaluating some of the world’s leading AI-powered weather prediction models while simultaneously developing the MeteoAI platform, which is expected to significantly improve weather forecasting, climate prediction, forecast verification and early warning services.
He added that the agency is equally assessing the most cost-effective computing infrastructure required to support the operational deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria’s meteorological services.
The initiative forms part of NiMet’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at enhancing the accuracy, timeliness and reliability of weather and climate information for critical sectors of the economy, especially agriculture.
Agriculture remains one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events, making timely and accurate weather forecasts increasingly essential for farmers’ decision-making, disaster preparedness and food production.
Prof. Anosike reiterated NiMet’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence alongside modern geospatial technologies to strengthen operational meteorology in Nigeria and across Africa.
He said the agency remains focused on supporting the implementation of the Early Warnings for All initiative by ensuring that farmers, disaster management agencies and vulnerable communities receive more timely, accurate and actionable weather and climate information to protect lives, livelihoods and food systems.
The WMO side event underscored the growing global recognition of AI as a transformative tool in meteorology, with experts agreeing that stronger international collaboration, improved observation networks and sustained investment in technology will be essential to unlocking its full potential in building climate resilience and safeguarding agricultural production worldwide.
