NiMet, STC to boost early warning systems for vulnerable Nigerian communities
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Save The Children, a non-governmental organisation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the provision of early warning systems for vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
The signing ceremony took place at NiMet headquarters, where key representatives from both organisations outlined the significance of this partnership.
Speaking at the event, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasised that the collaboration aims to bolster disaster risk reduction projects.
He highlighted NiMet’s ongoing efforts in risk assessment mapping and expressed confidence that the partnership would further strengthen these initiatives.
“NiMet is already engaged in risk assessment mapping, and with this MoU, we can use the vulnerability map to enhance our efforts,” said Professor Anosike.
He also mentioned the development of a crop calendar for farmers, noting the importance of standardized extension and advisory services.
“Developing this platform together will be impactful, as it will not only share experiences but also address conflicts between farmers and herders,” he added.
The Deputy Country Director of Save The Children, Mr. Poston Kragnigr, responded by outlining his organisation’s extensive experience in responding to humanitarian disasters across Nigeria, particularly in the North East and North West regions.
“We have developed Early Warning Systems, an ICT-based platform aimed at ensuring timely alerts reach communities, thereby increasing their resilience and reducing the negative impacts of disasters,” Mr. Kragnigr explained.
He stressed the importance of this strategic partnership with NiMet to upgrade their platform with forecasts tailored specifically for Nigeria.
Mr. Kragnigr also noted that Save The Children, which operates in 120 countries and has been active in Nigeria since 2001, launched an early warning system in 2023 in collaboration with NiMet, NIHSA, NEMA, and the Federal Ministries of Environment and Humanitarian Affairs.
This system aims to provide flood alerts to at-risk communities before events occur, thereby mitigating potential damage.
The MoU between NiMet and Save The Children is a significant step towards improving disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable Nigerian communities, leveraging technology and collaborative efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
