The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration in addressing climate change.
A statement from NiMet on Monday said the partnership is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic development in the face of climate challenges.
At a meeting in Abuja over the weekend, NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized the importance of a formal relationship between NiMet and the NGF for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
“It’s no longer news that we are seeing increasingly extreme weather events affecting our communities. Every year, we count the losses: people killed, families displaced, and significant economic damage,” Professor Anosike said.
He added that these weather events often lead to human trafficking, disease outbreaks, and other negative consequences. NiMet and NGF are committed to working together to reduce the impact of climate change.
“We believe strongly that something must be done to mitigate climate change. If we can proactively collaborate and coordinate our activities, we should be able to reduce its impact,” he stated.
Professor Anosike also highlighted the importance of weather and climate information for Nigeria’s sustainable economic development. “Early warning systems can save lives, but for them to work effectively, all relevant stakeholders must show leadership and work together.”
NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction, a key early warning tool, supports the United Nations’ Early Warning for All initiative. “The forecast is a rigorous scientific exercise that uses global and regional models to provide accurate outlooks,” he said.
The Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulateef O.T. Shittu, noted that climate change is affecting both the national and global economy.
“NiMet is a critical federal government agency. The NGF has agreed to sign an MoU to support their climate change initiatives for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Alhaji Shittu emphasized the importance of mitigation and adaptation in tackling climate change, particularly in preventing food shortages and ensuring food security. “We must face the reality of climate change and see how we can mitigate its effects,” he added.
