NiMET Seeks Investment In Early Warning Systems To Mitigate Heatwaves, Climatic Changes
In commemoration of World Meteorological Day (WMD), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has called for increased investment in early warning systems to help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, such as heatwaves and loss of lives.
Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director-General of NiMet, made this call at an event marking the 2025 WMD celebration in Abuja on Monday. He stressed the importance of modernizing hydrometeorological infrastructure as a key step towards enhancing early warning capabilities and reducing gaps in preparedness for extreme weather events.
Anosike highlighted that NiMet has been working diligently to upgrade its weather systems, ensuring high-quality observations and robust weather forecasts. These efforts are aimed at triggering pre-emptive measures and equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools to interpret early warnings and take timely action.
He emphasized the significant returns that investment in early warning systems can generate, stating, “Investing in early warning systems not only saves countless lives and livelihoods, it generates ten times return on investment and strengthens economies.” He also noted the global progress in expanding early warning systems coverage to combat increasing climate variability and extreme weather events.
NiMet’s ongoing efforts are focused on improving forecasting and dissemination capabilities to ensure communities and individuals are well-prepared to respond to and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. The agency is committed to providing the tools necessary for effective responses to weather-related crises.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Celeste Saulo, representing the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emphasized the growing challenges posed by climate change. She noted that 2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record, and the world is on track to experience a temporary increase of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In Nigeria, she pointed out, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, windstorms, floods, and dry spells have significantly increased over the last decade, with severe socio-economic consequences.
Prof. Saulo reiterated WMO’s commitment to ensuring that early warning systems protect everyone, everywhere. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration to achieve this goal, aligning with the theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day, which is “Closing the Early Warnings Gap Together.”
