NiMet, AIRBDA Forge Strategic Partnership to Address Climate Change Impacts on River Basins
…Agencies to Sign MoU on Collaboration for Resilient Water Resource Management and Food Security
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) have agreed to strengthen technical collaboration in hydrological forecasting, agricultural planning, and integrated water resource management, a significant step towards mitigating the growing impacts of climate change on the nation’s river basins.
The development was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AIRBDA, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka, to the NiMet headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, underscored the urgent need for inter-agency cooperation to combat climate-induced disruptions.
“Climate change is dramatically altering rainfall patterns and temperature regimes, which in turn are impacting the hydrology of river basins,” Professor Anosike stated. “This can lead to a higher frequency and severity of floods and droughts, posing a direct threat to lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and food security.”
He stressed that the interconnectedness between meteorology and river basins cannot be overlooked.
“Rainfall and temperature, which are core meteorological variables, directly influence how river basins behave hydrologically. Conversely, the structure and features of these basins also affect local weather and climatic patterns,” he explained.
Professor Anosike further highlighted NiMet’s flagship Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as an essential tool in early warning and disaster preparedness.
“The SCP provides timely and actionable insights for decision-makers. When well-integrated into planning, it supports better responses to extreme weather events, including floods, and enhances resilience in agriculture and water resource sectors,” he added.
On his part, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka expressed appreciation for the warm reception and affirmed AIRBDA’s readiness to deepen cooperation with NiMet.
“NiMet’s data and advisory services are critical to our operations, especially for enhancing irrigation schemes and ensuring the safe operation of our dams amid the increasing unpredictability of the climate,” he remarked.
The meeting concluded with both agencies pledging to formalise their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The proposed agreement will facilitate knowledge sharing, joint research, and coordinated action aimed at boosting climate resilience, advancing food security, and fostering sustainable development across Nigeria’s southeastern region.
The partnership marks a strategic alignment between the two agencies, as the nation seeks to strengthen its adaptive capacity in the face of escalating climate threats.
