Prof Mansur Matazu Appointed UNDRR Expert at ECOWAS Commission, ACMAD Applauds Milestone
The African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Professor Mansur Bako Matazu on his recent appointment as United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Expert on Early Warning and Disaster Management Operations at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
Now stationed at the ECOWAS Disaster Operations Centre in Abuja, Professor Matazu brings with him an extensive and distinguished portfolio in meteorology, climate science, and disaster risk management.
His appointment is seen as a major stride in bolstering disaster preparedness and climate resilience efforts across the West African sub-region.
Prior to this appointment, Professor Matazu was deeply involved in climate services at both national and continental levels. He served as an Expert in Climate Services Applications at ACMAD, where he played a pivotal role in providing vital climate information to guide decision-making across various sectors, notably agriculture, public health, and disaster risk reduction.
His work helped bridge the gap between scientific data and practical policy implementation for African nations.
Earlier in his career, Professor Matazu served as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
During his tenure, he was instrumental in crafting and implementing NiMet’s strategic development plan, which greatly enhanced the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely weather forecasts and early warning systems – an effort that significantly supported Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
In addition to his executive roles, Professor Matazu also chaired the ACMAD Board, where his leadership was widely recognised for steering the institution toward greater impact and regional relevance.
His stewardship helped position ACMAD as a key player in the continent’s push for sustainable development through improved climate services.
As he assumes his new responsibilities at ECOWAS, Professor Matazu is expected to provide critical technical support to member states in advancing early warning systems and strengthening operational frameworks for disaster risk management.
He will liaise closely with national governments, regional bodies, and international agencies to enhance West Africa’s capacity to respond to and mitigate the impact of climate-induced disasters.
ACMAD, in a formal statement, praised Professor Matazu’s wealth of experience and technical expertise, expressing full confidence in his ability to drive meaningful progress in the region’s climate and disaster management efforts.
The organisation noted that his appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a significant endorsement of Africa’s growing leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development.
“This appointment is a testament to Professor Matazu’s unwavering commitment to climate action and disaster preparedness across Africa,” the statement read. “We are confident that his contributions at ECOWAS will further strengthen regional resilience and save lives.”
ACMAD is the WMO Regional Climate Centre for Africa, based in Niamey Niger Republic.
With the West African region facing increasing vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events, Professor Matazu’s new role is considered both timely and strategic in helping nations build robust systems to anticipate and respond to environmental hazards.
