NiMet DG Anosike Bags Daily Times Climate Leadership Award
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has received the ChangeMaker Climate Leadership Award at the centenary celebration of The Daily Times of Nigeria.
Anosike received the award at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Habour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The award recognises his contributions to the development of meteorological services in Nigeria, institutional reforms and the application of weather and climate information to national development.
It also acknowledges his efforts to reposition NiMet as a technologically driven, responsive and service-oriented agency with improved capacity to provide weather and climate intelligence for economic growth, public safety and national resilience.
Since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in December 2023, Anosike has pursued a reform agenda aimed at strengthening the agency’s scientific capabilities, modernising its operations and ensuring that meteorological information delivers measurable benefits to the country.
Under his leadership, NiMet has continued to strengthen the role of meteorological services in critical sectors of the economy, particularly aviation, agriculture, disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
The agency’s activities have also highlighted the growing importance of accurate and timely weather forecasts in supporting economic planning, protecting lives and reducing the impact of climate-related disasters.
The recognition comes amid increasing concerns over climate variability and extreme weather events, which have heightened the need for stronger early warning systems and reliable climate information to guide government policies, business decisions and community preparedness.
Anosike’s leadership has also positioned NiMet to participate more actively in international discussions on climate resilience, sustainable investment, early warning systems and the application of scientific knowledge to development.
The award, presented as part of The Daily Times’ 100th anniversary celebrations, underscores the importance of effective meteorological institutions in helping countries respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change.
For Nigeria, the role of NiMet extends beyond predicting rainfall, temperature, wind patterns and other atmospheric conditions. Its forecasts and climate advisories are essential to aviation safety, agricultural productivity, disaster preparedness and the protection of infrastructure and livelihoods.
In aviation, for instance, reliable meteorological information is critical to flight planning, airport operations and the safety of passengers and aircraft. Similarly, farmers depend on seasonal climate predictions and weather advisories to make decisions on planting, harvesting and other agricultural activities.
NiMet said the recognition reinforces its commitment to providing timely, accurate and reliable weather and climate information in support of national safety, economic productivity and sustainable development.
The agency added that under Anosike’s leadership, it would continue to advance meteorological services beyond conventional weather forecasting to the provision of actionable intelligence capable of safeguarding lives, supporting livelihoods and contributing to national development.
The honour further highlights the strategic importance of meteorology in Nigeria’s development agenda, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its resilience against climate-related risks while pursuing sustainable economic growth.
