Nigeria to Showcase Climate Leadership as NiMet Hosts Global Hydromet Development Meeting in Lagos

Nigeria is set to become the global focal point for discussions on weather, climate and water services as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) prepares to host the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, bringing together some of the world’s foremost meteorological, climate and development leaders in Lagos.

The high-profile international gathering, scheduled to hold from 13 to 15 October 2026 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, follows an invitation extended by the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to Nigeria.

It will mark the first time the Alliance for Hydromet Development’s Annual Meeting will be hosted on African soil, highlighting the continent’s growing role in advancing global climate resilience and sustainable development.

The three-day meeting is expected to attract the leadership of the World Meteorological Organization, representatives of the Alliance’s 17 member institutions, major multilateral development banks, climate financing organisations, United Nations agencies, ministers, government officials, development partners, regional and continental institutions, private sector stakeholders, academics and users of weather, water and climate information.

Participants are expected to deliberate on strategies for strengthening hydrometeorological services, mobilising sustainable investments and improving access to weather and climate information that supports socio-economic development across the world.

The conference, themed “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services,” will focus on expanding international cooperation in hydrometeorology while exploring innovative financing models capable of strengthening national weather, water and climate institutions.

Organisers said the meeting represents a major milestone not only for Nigeria but also for Africa, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s leadership in addressing some of the world’s most pressing climate and environmental challenges.

Hydrometeorological services, which encompass weather forecasting, climate monitoring and water-related information, are regarded as critical tools for disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resources management, sustainable aviation, energy planning, public health, community resilience and climate adaptation.

Hosting the meeting is also expected to position Nigeria as a leading advocate for improved investment in meteorological infrastructure and early warning systems, particularly at a time when climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across many parts of the world.

According to the organisers, Nigeria will serve as a practical demonstration of how governments can strengthen national meteorological and hydrological institutions while coordinating investments that improve service delivery and reduce the financial burden on public budgets.

The organisers explained that NiMet’s experience in modernising weather and climate services aligns with the Alliance’s objective of supporting countries to build stronger, more resilient hydrometeorological systems capable of protecting lives, livelihoods and critical national infrastructure.

The meeting has been structured around five strategic pillars designed to deepen international collaboration and strengthen weather and climate services globally.

These include reinforcing partnerships and coordination among Alliance members, mobilising sustainable investment, promoting innovation and public-private sector engagement, delivering user-centred services and building resilient, sustainable hydrometeorological institutions.

Through these pillars, delegates are expected to develop practical strategies for expanding investment in weather and climate infrastructure while ensuring that meteorological services become more responsive to the needs of governments, businesses and vulnerable communities.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organization, Professor Charles Anosike, said the country was honoured to host the landmark gathering.

He noted that under the leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who will serve as Chief Host, Nigeria is committed to promoting the strategic importance of weather, water and climate services in supporting sustainable socio-economic development.

According to Anosike, “Nigeria is proud to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 and promote the critical relevance of weather, water and climate services for de-risking national, regional and global socio-economic activities.”

He added that the meeting would further strengthen global partnerships, encourage innovation, attract sustainable investment and reinforce efforts aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of hydrometeorological services across Africa and beyond.

NiMet said additional information on the conference, including participation details and programme updates, will be released through its official communication channels in the coming months.