Meteorology takes center stage in advancing solid minerals development in Nigeria, asserts NiMet DG

Meteorological expertise emerges as a pivotal factor for enhancing safety and efficiency in Nigeria’s mining sector, according to Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). 

Addressing the ‘Solid Minerals Conference’ organised by Business Day newspaper in Abuja on January 30, 2024, Prof. Anosike highlighted the intricate connection between climate change concerns and the mining industry.

In his presentation, Prof. Anosike emphasised the vulnerability of mining operations to weather conditions, especially given their frequent locations in challenging climates. 

He said extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, pose risks to worker safety and disrupt productivity. 

Anosike underscored the role of real-time weather forecasts and information in ensuring operational safety and mitigating risks associated with storms and floods.

“Real-time weather forecasts, warnings, and information on climatic conditions are essential for ensuring the safety of operations especially where weather conditions can significantly impact safety,” said the DG.

Acknowledging the Federal Government’s commitment to diversifying from hydrocarbons, Prof. Anosike cited the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who highlighted the government’s pursuit of making the minerals sector a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP. 

The Director-General sees NiMet’s role in providing accurate meteorological data as essential for assessing and mitigating climate-related risks, aligning with the government’s efforts to address climate change impacts.

“Accurate meteorological data‭ ‬helps in assessing and mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as storms, floods etc. This is critical in minimizing potential damages to infrastructure and ensuring the safety of personnel,” he said.

Discussing the effects of climate change in Nigeria, Prof. Anosike mentioned uncertainties in the onset of the rainy season, shifts in rainfall patterns, sea level rise, overwhelming heat, and extreme weather events. 

He stressed that access to reliable weather and climate information increases climate actions and resilience among the population.

NiMet’s recently established Act of 2022 positions the agency to regulate all meteorological aspects in Nigeria and commercialize meteorological data through partnerships with the private sector. 

Prof. Anosike expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in providing customised weather and climate data, supporting effective planning, and optimising various activities, including mining operations.

Furthermore, the Director General announced the public presentation of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on February 20, 2024. 

The SCP serves as an early warning tool, offering valuable information to various sectors of the Nigerian economy to respond to climate extremities over the next year. 

The conference witnessed the participation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and numerous industry experts, underscoring the importance of meteorology in shaping the future of solid minerals development in Nigeria.