NiMet DG Advocates Early Warnings in Response to Climate Change 

In a bid to bolster national security and address the growing impacts of climate change, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has emphasised the need for the timely issuance of early warnings. 

Speaking at the Annual Civil-Military Conference held at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja on Tuesday, 10th September 2024, Prof. Anosike highlighted the critical role of meteorological services in ensuring the Armed Forces and the broader public are prepared for extreme weather events.

The conference, themed “Whole-of-society Approach to National Security and Development,” sought to build on the successes of the 2023 edition. 

The gathering aimed to strengthen public trust, enhance aviation and space safety, counter misinformation, and improve coordination between military and civilian stakeholders. 

It also addressed key issues such as migration management and counterterrorism strategies, with a focus on fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration for national security.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces. 

He noted that NiMet provides reliable, accurate, and timely weather information, which is crucial for military operations on land, sea, and in the air. 

“These solutions enable our military forces to operate effectively in all conditions, whether on land, water, or air, where weather information is necessary,” he said.

Prof. Anosike further stressed NiMet’s efforts in building human capacity and sharing knowledge to mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

He pointed out that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and climate-induced conflicts necessitates proactive measures. 

“It is crucial to issue warnings early, ensure people are aware of them, take action quickly, and, most importantly, establish policies that incentivise and facilitate the right actions in response to climate change,” he remarked.

The conference provided a platform for military and civilian leaders to explore innovative approaches to national security and development, with climate change at the forefront of discussions. 

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the impacts of global warming, NiMet’s role in issuing early warnings and climate-smart solutions remains pivotal in safeguarding both national security and development.