NiMet Staff to Receive Advanced Training on Climate Data Maproom, Courtesy of IRI, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
In a significant step towards enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, select staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) are set to undergo specialised training on climate data analysis.
The programme, sponsored by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is part of the Building Agricultural Systems Resilience in Nigeria Project (2024-2026), being implemented by Sahel Consulting.
The training, to be facilitated by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) – an affiliate of the Columbia Climate School at Columbia University – aims to strengthen the capacity of NiMet personnel in leveraging climate data for improved decision-making.
NiMet staff had previously benefited from a related training under the terms of this ongoing partnership.
According to the schedule, the training will be conducted in two phases. The Training of Trainers (ToT) session will take place from 18th to 21st February 2025, equipping NiMet staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to transfer expertise.
This will be followed by a cascade training session from 24th to 28th February 2025, during which NiMet staff will train participants from relevant ministries and agencies under the supervision of an IRI resource person.
Speaking during a briefing session on Monday, 17th February 2025, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, welcomed Dr. Tufa Dinku, a Research Scientist with IRI, to his office in Abuja. The visit was part of the preparatory discussions ahead of the training.
Expressing appreciation to The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the training facilitators, Prof. Anosike emphasised the importance of climate data accessibility in driving effective policy decisions and sustainable climate services.
“Access to high-quality climate data and information is crucial for developing effective, decision-relevant, and sustainable climate services. This training will improve the capacity of our staff, the beneficiaries of the training, and others who would also benefit, in effectively using climate information products,” Prof. Anosike stated.
The collaboration between NiMet, IRI, and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation marks a continued effort to integrate climate science into Nigeria’s agricultural and environmental policies.
By equipping meteorological professionals with advanced tools and methodologies, the training will contribute to improving climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and overall environmental sustainability across the country.
