NiMet, Governors’ Forum Forge Alliance to Combat Climate Change
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are set to enhance their partnership to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the works to formalise their collaboration.
This development was announced during a meeting held on Friday, 22nd November 2024, at the NGF’s office in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasised the critical need for synergy to mitigate the devastating effects of extreme weather events across Nigeria.
“It’s no longer news that we are seeing increasingly severe weather events affecting our communities. Every year, we count the losses – lives lost, families displaced, communities uprooted, and economic damages sustained,” he stated.
He further highlighted how these challenges exacerbate broader societal issues such as human trafficking and disease outbreaks.
Anosike noted that the partnership with the NGF would facilitate the dissemination of weather and climate information to the grassroots, ensuring proactive responses to climate-related threats.
“If we can proactively collaborate and coordinate our activities, we should be able to reduce the impact of climate change. This is why NiMet has come to the NGF. Our collaboration will ensure that weather and climate information get to the last mile – the Nigerian people,” he said.
He underscored the importance of early warning systems, describing them as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development.
“Early warning saves lives, but for it to work effectively, synergistic leadership must be demonstrated by all relevant stakeholders,” he added.
He also highlighted NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as a vital tool aligned with the United Nations Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative, championed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
The Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity of collective action to address climate change.
“NiMet is a critical federal government agency, and the NGF has agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding with NiMet to support and partner with them in implementing all climate change initiatives in the interest of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Alhaji Shittu highlighted the urgency of tackling climate change, particularly in preventing food shortages and ensuring food security.
“Climate change is all about mitigation and adaptation. We must face its reality and take proactive steps to mitigate its impacts,” he concluded.
The alliance between NiMet and the NGF is a step forward in addressing the climate crisis and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development across Nigeria.
The forthcoming MoU is expected to serve as a blueprint for coordinated efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of increasing climate challenges.
