NiMet DG Stresses Need to Close Early Warning Gap as World Marks 2025 Meteorological Day
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has reiterated the importance of closing the early warning gap to enhance disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
He made this call during a special ceremony at NiMet’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 24th March 2025, to mark the 2025 World Meteorological Day.
This year’s celebration, themed “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,” underscores a global commitment to strengthening early warning capabilities.
The event, which took place globally on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, also marked the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
In his address, Professor Anosike highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving effective early warning systems. “We must recognise that closing the early warning gap requires ALL – including strong collaboration, coordination and cooperation between national and international partners, policymakers, the private sector, and local communities, especially the youth. Government alone cannot do it,” he stated.
Professor Anosike paid tribute to Professor Godwin Olu Patrick Obasi, a former Secretary-General of the WMO and a pioneer in meteorology and climate science.
He acknowledged Professor Obasi’s foresight in recognising the role of early warnings in disaster risk management. “Investing in early warning systems not only saves countless lives and livelihoods; it generates ten times return on investment and strengthens economies,” Anosike emphasised.
Reflecting on NiMet’s contributions, Professor Anosike stated, “Today in Nigeria, we at NiMet have remained at the forefront of advancing early warning systems through science-based weather and climate services. Our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), daily weather forecasts and bulletins, Impact-Based Forecasts, and other publications have proven instrumental in disaster risk reduction across all socio-economic sectors.”
However, he noted that unprecedented weather extremes in recent years have exposed critical gaps in early warning systems. These include inadequate funding, limited access to advanced technologies, uncoordinated dissemination efforts, insecurity, and challenges in maintaining early warning infrastructure. “These gaps must be proactively addressed to build a resilient and weather-aware society,” he stressed.
Professor Anosike expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their leadership and support of NiMet’s activities.
He also commended the WMO for its global efforts through the Early Warning for All (EW4All) Initiative and thanked stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to improving early warning systems. “Early warning saves lives!” he declared.
The WMO Representative for North, Central, and West Africa, Bernard Gomez, who attended the event, delivered a message from the WMO Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo. Saulo emphasised the urgency of investment in national meteorological services.
“Investing in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services isn’t just about forecasting—it’s about saving lives, strengthening economies, and securing our future. The time to act is now,” Saulo’s message read.
Gomez further stressed the need for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to remain the primary source of authoritative warnings.
He added that the private sector could play a vital role in driving innovation, enhancing dissemination, and improving risk knowledge.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including students from Holy Family College, Kuje, Abuja, who were encouraged to engage in climate action and awareness.
