The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) are set to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening climate services, improving climate data management and enhancing Nigeria's climate resilience through evidence-based policies and early warning systems.
The decision followed a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, to the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, Dr. Tenioye Majekodunmi, where both agencies explored areas of collaboration to support the country's climate action agenda, a statement said on Tuesday.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Anosike said NiMet remains the nation's repository of long-term meteorological records, providing the atmospheric data that forms the foundation for climate trend analysis, climate risk assessments and the development of credible climate projections.
He noted that greater synergy between NiMet and the NCCC would strengthen the development of climate projections, improve the effectiveness of early warning systems, standardise climate data across institutions and encourage joint research to support sound policymaking.
The NiMet boss explained that enhanced cooperation would also enable government at all levels to access reliable, location-specific climate information for planning and implementing adaptation and mitigation measures, particularly in sectors vulnerable to climate change such as agriculture, water resources, health and disaster management.
He further observed that credible meteorological and climate data are essential for attracting international climate finance, adding that both organisations could jointly pursue funding opportunities to support climate resilience projects, early warning initiatives and investments in climate infrastructure.
In his response, Dr. Majekodunmi welcomed the NiMet delegation and praised the agency for its contributions to weather forecasting and climate information services, describing its role as vital to Nigeria's climate governance framework.
He reaffirmed the National Council on Climate Change's commitment to building a stronger working relationship with NiMet to improve climate services, support scientific research and strengthen national capacity to address the impacts of climate change.
Both institutions agreed to cement their relationship through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will provide a framework for sustained collaboration in climate services, climate data management, research, early warning systems, capacity building and other areas of shared interest.
The planned partnership is expected to strengthen institutional coordination, improve the quality of climate information available to decision-makers and reinforce Nigeria's efforts to safeguard lives, livelihoods and the environment through coordinated climate action.