NiMet collaborates with EU’s humanitarian commission on disaster risk reduction in Nigeria

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has expressed his gratitude to the European Union (EU) for their various interventions in Nigeria. 

This commendation came during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Directorate General-European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) to NiMet’s office in Abuja on Monday.

Professor Anosike welcomed the proposed collaboration between NiMet and DG-ECHO, highlighting its significance for disaster risk reduction in Nigeria. 

“The partnership with DG-ECHO in disaster risk reduction is beneficial for Nigeria, particularly for our farmers and other economic sectors,” Anosike stated. 

He emphasised NiMet’s role in disseminating daily weather and climate-related information, which aids in reducing disasters and supports the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in preparing their annual flood outlook.

“The weather advisories and forecasts we issue help to reduce disasters. When people are aware of extreme weather events, they prepare for it,” Anosike added, underscoring the importance of timely weather information.

Representing the EU team, Lisa De La Rubia, highlighted the importance of NiMet as a critical agency, stressing the potential for a robust partnership. 

“DG-ECHO sees strong potential for collaboration with NiMet in setting up systems and strategies over the next three years towards disaster risk reduction in Nigeria,” she said.

The meeting also saw the attendance of Professor Vincent Weli, Director of Weather Forecasting Services at NiMet, and other senior members of the agency. 

The DG-ECHO delegation included Charlotte Billoir, Comfort Agwu, and Sandie Romero Ruiz, who collectively discussed the potential areas of cooperation and the benefits of their joint efforts in mitigating disaster risks in Nigeria.