NiMet DG harps on inter-agency collaboration to address hydro-climatic challenges

…commends AGRHYMET, ACMAD for sustaining regional climate outlook as PRESASS kicks off in Abuja

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborate with other agencies with the Sub-Saharan region of Africa to address hydro-climatic challenges.

Professor Anosike’s remarks came during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Edition of the Regional Forum Workshop on Seasonal Forecasts of Agro-hydro-climatic characteristics of the rainy season for the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of West Africa and the Sahel (PRESASS) in Abuja on Monday, 22nd April 2024.

Addressing the attendees on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Anosike emphasised the crucial role of regional collaboration in tackling weather-related hazards such as early/late onset of rainy seasons, droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. 

He highlighted the significance of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as an early warning tool released on February 20th, 2024, to enhance preparedness for climate disasters and protect lives and national assets.

Anosike lauded the continued efforts of AGRHYMET and ACMAD in sustaining the Regional Climate Outlook since 1998. 

Reiterating the importance of PRESASS in providing a unified regional seasonal climate outlook, Professor Anosike stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts in addressing climate disasters and accelerating climate action. 

He called for continued support to strengthen the PRESSAS project, which serves as a vital early warning tool for the region every year.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency released NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on February 20th 2024, which continues to serve as an Early Warning tool to ensure improved preparedness for climate disasters, protect lives, and critical national assets toward sustainable economic development. 

“PRESSAS provides the platform for a unified regional seasonal climate outlook and reinforces our determination to collaboratively address climate disasters and accelerate climate action. We must continue to work together to strengthen the PRESSAS project as the region looks forward to this vital early warning tool every year,” Anosike remarked.

In a goodwill message, the representative of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) for West, Central, and North Africa, Dr. Rowland Abah, commended the progress made in understanding climate risks in the Sahel and West Africa over the 50 years of AGRHYMET’s existence. 

He emphasised the invaluable support provided by AGRHYMET in enhancing the capacity of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in the region.

Engineer Clement Nze, the Director-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), highlighted the workshop’s significance in employing scientific methods to address hydro-climatic challenges. 

He stressed the complementarity of PRESASS predictions with national disaster risk management efforts.

Dr. Abdul Ali, the Director-General of AGRHYMET, expressed gratitude to the federal government, NiMet, and NIHSA, emphasising the importance of timely information for decision-makers and farmers to effectively plan for the upcoming rainy season. 

Dr. Ali warned of looming food crises affecting over 50 million people in the region during the upcoming lean season from June to August if appropriate measures are not taken.

The event, which convenes representatives from 16 countries in the West African region, is set to continue in Abuja until 26th April 2024.