By Rosemary Ogbonna
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) have agreed to deepen collaboration on climate services and data management through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by NiMet on Wednesday following a courtesy visit by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charles Anosike, to the Director-General of the NCCC Secretariat, Mr Tenioye Majekodunmi, on Tuesday.
Anosike said NiMet remains the custodian of Nigeria’s long-term meteorological records, providing the baseline atmospheric data required for climate trend analysis, risk assessment and reliable projections.
He stressed the need for closer collaboration in co-developing climate projections, strengthening early warning systems, standardising climate data and undertaking joint research to support evidence-based climate policies.
“Enhanced collaboration will provide policymakers with localised, science-based information needed to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies,” he said.
Anosike added that quality meteorological and climate data is essential for Nigeria to access international climate finance.
“Quality meteorological and climate data is a prerequisite for accessing international climate finance,” he said, noting that both institutions could explore joint funding proposals to support climate resilience, early warning systems and climate infrastructure.
Responding, the NCCC Director-General welcomed Anosike and commended NiMet for its contributions to climate services and weather information in Nigeria. He expressed support for stronger institutional collaboration.
The statement said both organisations agreed to formalise their partnership through an MoU to promote sustained collaboration in climate services, data management, research, early warning systems and capacity development.
It added that the visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of NiMet and NCCC to advancing national climate policy and protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment through improved climate services.
The renewed partnership builds on earlier cooperation. In August 2024, both agencies resolved to deepen collaboration on climate action, with NiMet highlighting its role as custodian of more than 100 years of meteorological data needed for adaptation and the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative.
In March 2026, NiMet also signed an MoU with the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to strengthen climate research, enhance localised weather observations and support climate-smart agriculture and food security.
