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  • 21 states at high risk of flooding – NiMet

    21 states at high risk of flooding – NiMet

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned 21 states at high risk of flooding.

    The agency, in its latest heavy rainfall forecast, listed the States at high risk of flooding between Wednesday and Thursday this week.

    The States are: Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, FCT, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, southern Borno, Kano, and Katsina.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rain flash floods nationwide

    The forecast by the Agency reads, “The prevailing atmospheric conditions are highly conducive for intense and prolonged rainfall, which, when combined with already saturated soil profiles and elevated river levels, significantly increases the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and communities located near major rivers and streams.”

    Data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) shows that 191 persons have died, 94 are missing, and 134,435 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

    The Agency also stated that 239 persons sustained various injuries, 48,056 were displaced, 9,499 houses were affected, and 9,450 farmlands were destroyed across 47 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 20 States.

    The states affected by flooding, according to NEMA, are: Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States. 

  • NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rain flash floods nationwide

    NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rain flash floods nationwide

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather activities across the nation from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in some areas.

    ‎NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja envisaged morning thunderstorms on Monday with moderate rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina States in the northern region.

    ‎ “Later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region.

    “There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period.

    ‎”In the central region, there are prospects of light rains over parts of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa States during the morning hours.

    ‎”In the afternoon or evening hours, light rains are anticipated over parts of Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory,” it said.

    ‎The agency envisaged cloudy skies over the southern region with chances of light rain over parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

    ‎According to it, light rains are expected over parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.

    ‎ The agency anticipated the high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Edo and Delta States during the forecast period.‎

    ‎NiMet predicted  morning thunderstorms on Tuesday over the northern region with moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna and Zamfara States.

    ‎”Later in the day , thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region.

    ‎”For the central region, there are prospects of intermittent light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue States during the forecast period.

    ‎”Cloudy skies are expected over  southern region with prospects of intermittent light rains on Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during  forecast period,” it said.

    ‎It predicted a high possibility of flood over parts of Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the forecast period.

    ‎The agency forecast morning thunderstorms on Wednesday with moderate rains over parts of Taraba and Kaduna States of northern region.

    ‎NiMet anticipated isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Adamawa States  later in the day.

    ‎According to it, light rains are envisaged over parts of Nasarawa, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory in the morning hours of the central region.

    ‎”In the afternoon or evening hours, Intermittent light rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue States.

    ‎”For the southern region, cloudy skies with intermittent light rains are expected over parts of Ebonyi Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River States in the morning hours,” it said.

    ‎According to it, light rains are expected over the entire region later in the day with  a high possibility of flood over parts of Bayelsa State during the forecast period.‎

    ‎NiMet urged the public to avoid driving under heavy rain and states with the possibility of flash flood to activate the emergency response system immediately.

    ‎”Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions.‎

    ‎”Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets, stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

    ‎Airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

    ‎The agency advised the residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website www.nimet.gov.ng.

  • NiMet, LASWA pledge support for climate-smart ferry operations

    NiMet, LASWA pledge support for climate-smart ferry operations

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has pledged to support climate-smart water transport in Lagos through a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

    The commitment was made during a visit to NiMet headquarters by a LASWA delegation led by its General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

    Both agencies agreed to strengthen collaboration on weather forecasting and safety measures to improve ferry operations in the state.

    NiMet Director General Professor Charles Anosike described the partnership as “a timely and necessary step toward institutionalising climate resilience in water transportation.”

    “We are fully committed to working with LASWA to make ferry operations in Lagos safer, smarter and responsive to climate risks,” Anosike said. “NiMet will provide real-time weather information, impact-based forecasts and technical support to aid planning, reduce disruptions and ultimately safeguard lives.”

    He stressed that the initiative goes beyond technical exchange. “What we are doing is not just sharing data,” he said. “We are building a framework where early warnings become part of daily decision-making in ferry scheduling, routing and operations. That is what climate-smart transport means.”

    Professor Anosike disclosed that a formal memorandum of understanding would be signed to ensure continuity and structure. “We are not just having conversations. We are putting things in writing. The MoU will guide the terms of engagement, roles and timelines,” he said.

    He also spoke on the importance of public education and capacity building.

    Read Also: NiMet Act amendment, Anosike’s quest for best quality service delivery 

    “It is not enough to give forecasts. Operators and commuters must understand how to use the information. That is why training and sensitisation will be a strong component of this collaboration.”

    Speaking further on safety, the NiMet boss warned that unpredictable weather remains one of the leading threats to inland and coastal transport. “We have seen how sudden storms and poor visibility can put lives at risk. That is why weather alerts must become standard procedure in the ferry sector,” he said.

    Professor Anosike called on regulators to enforce compliance. “We cannot afford to run a ferry system in today’s climate without integrating meteorological guidance. Any operator who ignores weather advisories is gambling with human lives,” he said.

    He noted that NiMet had previously entered similar agreements with agencies like NIMASA, NIWA and MOWCA.

    “We are building a coordinated ecosystem where data is not just collected but applied. Safety cannot be left to chance,” he said.

    On his part, LASWA General Manager Oluwadamilola Emmanuel described the partnership as “a bold and forward-looking move to transform ferry operations in Lagos.”

    “LASWA is serious about safety, and we are proud to align with NiMet on this climate-smart initiative,” he said. “We believe that with NiMet’s support, our operators will be better equipped to respond to weather threats and maintain reliable services.”

    Emmanuel said the agency would immediately begin internal alignment with NiMet’s systems. “We are not going to wait for the MoU to take action. Our technical team will start syncing with NiMet’s forecast platforms and communication channels,” he said.

    He also appealed to private ferry operators to cooperate fully. “This is not about bureaucracy. It is about saving lives. Every operator must take weather data seriously and make it part of their standard operations,” Emmanuel said.

    He emphasised that LASWA would continue to invest in training, enforcement and public engagement. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and as a regulator, we will not compromise,” he said.

  • NiMet Act amendment, Anosike’s quest for best quality service delivery 

    NiMet Act amendment, Anosike’s quest for best quality service delivery 

    By Bonaventure Phillips Melah

    Although Professor Charles Anosike has continued to receive commendations from workers, labour unions, journalists and others stakeholders for his exemplary leadership and huge achievements recorded within just one year and some months in office as the Director General/CEO, of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), his unquenchable appetite for excellence and to provide best quality service wherever he finds himself, are some of the factors behind NiMet management’s current efforts to amend the Agency’s establishment Act.

    Consequently, the House of Representatives on Monday, July 21, 2025, organized a Public Hearing on a bill initiated by its Committee on Aviation Technology which was sponsored by the former Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, seeking to provide clear and detailed framework for the Agency’s cost recovery across various sectors, especially for non-aviation bodies as well as strengthen NiMet’s capacities to fulfill its mandate, promote efficiency, improve infrastructure, ensure safety and enhance staff welfare.

    At the event, Anosike succinctly summed up the reason for seeking the amendment, saying the practice of cost recovery was an acceptable norm; and in line with global best practices. He stressed that it was a critical requirement for the sustainability of the Agency.

    He said- “The NiMet Bill, 2025 is principally about fulfilling the statutory responsibilities of the Agency and ensuring attendant costs for services rendered are duly recovered as envisaged by the Principal Act. This is crucial in order to ensure the Agency is self-sustaining, efficient, and responsive to national development needs, in line with its Mandate. We therefore respectfully request that the amendments proposed in the NiMet Bill be approved.”

    He said that although the NiMet Act was amended as recently as 2022 to strengthen the Agency’s legal and operational framework, the realities of implementation have revealed some gaps that hinder its full effectiveness and mentioned in particular, challenges in the areas of cost recovery, rulemaking, and compliance/enforcement.

    “We must acknowledge that no law, however well-conceived, can anticipate every future challenge at the time of enactment. Legal frameworks must therefore remain flexible and responsive to evolving needs, especially in rapidly changing, data-driven sectors such as meteorology. Against this backdrop, it is pertinent to note that NiMet has made significant progress over the years in enhancing the quality, accuracy, and reach of its services. Nevertheless, to keep pace with the growing demands of Nigeria’s dynamic economy and to ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations, it is imperative that the Agency be equipped with a strengthened legal framework that addresses existing gaps and aligns with both national development priorities and international best practices.

    “The Purpose of this presentation is simply to justify the amendments proposed in the NiMet Bill, 2025. Particularly, those geared towards the establishment of a cost recovery framework that ensures the sustainable delivery of critical meteorological services to sectors such as marine, construction and telecommunications. These amendments are intended to: Strengthen national meteorological infrastructure and resilience; Enhance safety, efficiency, and planning across sectors; Ensure that users of specialized meteorological services in the stated sectors pay costs associated with the provision of such services.”

    Anosike noted that while the current Act (Sections 7(1)(l) and 7(2)) empowers NiMet to issue meteorological information and to impose cost and sustainability recovery charges, it only provides a detailed framework for cost recovery within the aviation sector, adding that there is currently no equivalent mechanism for non-aeronautical sectors, resulting in unrecovered operational costs, increased pressure on government funding, poor infrastructural development and limited-service coverage.

    “It is also important to clarify that International best practices support cost recovery from specialized services. Both WMO Resolution 40 and Resolution 25 endorse cost recovery from commercial and non-core public good services.”

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudden Abbas, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga (Ogun, APC), while declaring the public hearing open, reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to people-oriented legislature. He said critical and strategic MDAs such as NiMet, would be strengthened to ensure they have capacities for public growth, transparency and responsive to national needs, including climate changes and hazardous weather mitigation for safety of lives, especially vulnerable communities, among others.

    Others who attended the public hearing and gave overwhelming support for amendment of NiMet Act include representatives of World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), NIMASA, FAAN, NCC, Trade Unions and three past Directors-General of NiMet, namely, Engr. Dr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Anthony Anuforom and Professor Mansur Matazu as well as many former Directors of the Agency who made written and oral presentations. They all commended Prof. Anosike for the ongoing transformation in NiMet.

    Many of those who have worked with or currently working with Prof. Charles Anosike have described him as a workaholic and perfectionist. They also attribute the milestones recorded by NiMet management under Anosike’s leadership to his goal-achieving approach to work, making reference to his past successful career and achievements in both the public and private sectors and therefore his insatiable thirst for A-Grade results.

    Towards achieving its statutory mandate and self-set goals as well as surpass expectations of its various publics, including the federal government, the Anosike-led NiMet management has, in the last few months, initiated and implemented series of policies and programmes that are both innovative and forward-moving, in pursuit of excellence.

    The above include continuous training and retraining of workers so they can acquire additional skills and knowledge as well as signing of agreements and MoUs with local, regional and international organisations and bodies, among others.

    Within the period, the agency partnered with Korean Meteorological Administration, aimed at boosting Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based weather forecasting capacity; hosted the 14th meeting of ECOWAS Directors of Meteorological and Hydrological Services where agreement was reached to collaborate for enhancement of disaster preparedness among member countries. At the meeting, Prof. Anosike was elected President of the regional body.

    NiMet also received Automatic Weather stations from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); joined other stakeholders at the launch of the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) which is an initiative of the Presidential Food Security Coordinating Unit (PFSCU NG) aimed to enhance agricultural productivity, stabilize food prices, and stimulate economic growth; and entered a partnership with IPE Global Limited, India, to explore avenues for collaboration in the dissemination of agro-meteorological information to stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

    The agency has also assured Nigerians that it currently has world class forecast infrastructure following the unveiling of MeteoSat 3rd Generation Satellite system with advanced capabilities to provide quality data and higher resolution to improve weather forecasting.

    Professor Anosike gave the assurance while speaking at a meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, which had as its theme ‘Prevention and management of the devastating effect of flooding in Nigeria.’

    He said- “Our forecasts range from daily, weekly, and seasonal outlooks. Some of our products in support of flood risk management includes, daily weather outlooks, three days Impact-based forecasts, weekly heavy rainfall forecasts, rainfall intensity frequency duration curve, flash flood risk mapping, quarterly drought and flood monitoring bulletin and our flagship product- the seasonal climate prediction.”

    On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, NiMet hosted a delegation from the World Bank at its headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts two-day heavy downpour in Niger, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi

    On July 2nd 2025, NiMet hosted a dialogue where Prof. Anosike reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media and civil society in order to enhance public awareness, preparedness, and resilience in the face of climate-related risks and extreme weather events.

    Anosike and some NiMet Directors, also inspected the on-going Safe Tower Upgrade at Abuja Airport with the installation of the ceilometers, transmissiometers lightning and thunderstorm detection systems, automatic weather stations and the complete solarisation of the systems for uninterrupted power supply.

    NiMet management also officially unveiled Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) technology developed by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The system, donated to Nigeria and deployed by the African Union Commission (AUC) funding support from the European Union (EU), was formally presented at NiMet’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 5, 2025.

    The successful installation of the topnotch facility, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s weather monitoring and early warning infrastructure.

    At the occasion, Prof. Anosike described the MTG system as a transformative advancement in meteorological technology. He emphasized that its enhanced capabilities will greatly improve the resolution, frequency, and accuracy of weather data collection and forecasts, thereby strengthening early warning systems and national preparedness for extreme weather events.

    “The installation of the PUMA 2025 system is timely and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed commitment to modernizing weather services for the protection of lives and property. This is a critical step forward in our journey to ensure climate resilience in Nigeria,” the NiMet boss said.

    Melah is an Abuja based Journalist, Publisher and author.

  • NiMet predicts two-day heavy downpour in Niger, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi

    NiMet predicts two-day heavy downpour in Niger, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a two-day heavy downpour in Nigern, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Kebbi States.

    Other States likely to witness heavy rainfall within the next two days, according to the agency, are Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara.

    The Agency in its Impact Based forecast bulletin released on Monday also highlighted the likelihood of displacement and other hazards over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa states due to strong winds.

    The highlight of the forecast read, “On Tuesday 22nd July, 2025 (0000-2359hrs), moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    “Light to Moderate Rainfall is expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Kano, parts of Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states.

    “23rd July, 2025 (0000 – 2359hrs), moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Kebbi, Niger, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

    “Light to moderate rainfall is expected over Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Kwara states.”

    On Thursday 24th July, 2025 (0000 – 2359hrs), NiMet predicted light to moderate rainfall over Enugu, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Jigawa, parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Taraba, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kwara states.

    Read Also: Lagos, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, 16 others at risk of flooding, NiMet warns

    NiMet also warned that in the next three days (Tuesday 22nd July – Thursday 24th July, 2025), moderate risk of hazards due to strong winds are likely over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Jigawa states.

    The likely hazards according to the agency include; Isolated cases of displacements of people due to strong wind, isolated cases of damage to weak structures, and isolated cases of felling of trees.

  • Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, 16 others at risk of flooding this month – NiMet

    Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, 16 others at risk of flooding this month – NiMet

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released the list of states at risk of flooding this month.

    The flash flood risk alert for July 2025, released on Monday by the Agency, shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events due to the onset of rainfall across the country.

    According to the agency, Sokoto State has a high risk of experiencing flash floods.

    Other states with notable risk of flash flooding are; Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts three-day rain, thunderstorms from today

    The Agency advised residents of the states to relocate if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during flooding and strengthen mudslide prevention.

  • NiMet predicts three-day rain, thunderstorms from today

    NiMet predicts three-day rain, thunderstorms from today

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted rainy and thundery weather conditions from today till Wednesday across the country.

    NiMet’s weather outlook released yesterday in Abuja anticipated patches of cloud on Monday and chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Adamawa states.

    According to it, there are prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of Zamfara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kaduna states later in the day.

    “In the Northcentral, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa states during the afternoon or evening hours.

    “In the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is expected with prospects of morning rains over the coastal parts of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states.

    “Later in the day, rain showers are anticipated over parts of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states,” it said.

    NiMet envisaged sunny skies in the northern region tomorrow with patches of clouds in the morning. It forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Adamawa states later in the day.

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    “In the Northcentral region, a partly cloudy atmosphere is expected during the morning hours. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Niger states.

    “In the Southern region, morning rain showers are anticipated over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states.

    “In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated rains are expected over parts of Ekiti, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Lagos states,” it said.

    According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Gombe states on Wednesday.

  • NiMet, ABU partner on weather station, climate, nuclear research

    NiMet, ABU partner on weather station, climate, nuclear research

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said it is set to establish a mini-Automatic Weather Station (AWOS) at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The AWOS is meant to support the licensing requirements for the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1).

    The initiative is part of a broader partnership contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed early this week in Abuja between NiMet and CERT for collaborative research and development.

    Under the deal, NiMet will not only install and maintain the weather station but will also work with ABU’s energy research centre to promote and localise its Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), ensuring data from the station feeds into national climate advisories.

    In a major boost to academia, the agency said it would allow ABU workers and students to access its vast meteorological and climate data for teaching, research, and training purposes — subject to its data policy.

    NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, and ABU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, signed on behalf of their institutions.

    Read Also: Shettima inaugurates NCGC board, says new firm will unlock MSME financing

    The ceremony was witnessed by top university officials, including the Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila; CERT Director, Prof. S. A. Jonah, and Malam Hamza Sani of Physical Planning and Municipal Services.

    Both parties also agreed to jointly pursue cutting-edge research in meteorology, climatology, nuclear science, and material analyses to deliver outputs of a global standard.

    As part of the arrangement, NiMet will identify sites for gaseous and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) mapping around airports and bear costs for consumables needed in nuclear instrumentation training.

    CERT will provide land and infrastructure for the weather station, support NiMet’s soil fertility analysis to strengthen seasonal climate prediction, and build the agency’s capacity in advanced environmental analysis, including harmattan dust and NORM evaluations.

    The centre will further train NiMet personnel in nuclear science and facilitate high-impact collaborative research, enhancing the agency’s flagship products such as the E-SCP, climate review bulletins, agro-meteorological advisories, and drought and flood monitoring reports.

  • NiMet, ABU seal pact on weather station, climate, nuclear research

    NiMet, ABU seal pact on weather station, climate, nuclear research

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is set to establish a mini-Automatic Weather Station (AWOS) at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to support the licensing requirements for the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1).

    The initiative is part of a broader partnership sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday in Abuja between NiMet and CERT for collaborative research and development.

    Under the deal, NiMet will not only install and maintain the weather station but will also work with ABU’s energy research centre to promote and localise its Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), ensuring data from the station feeds into national climate advisories.

    In a major boost to academia, the agency will allow ABU staff and students access to its vast meteorological and climate data for teaching, research and training purposes — subject to its data policy.

    NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, and ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, signed on behalf of their institutions. 

    Read Also: NiMet: human lives, buildings, others at risk of extreme weather

    The ceremony was witnessed by top university officials, including the Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila, CERT Director, Prof. S.A. Jonah, and Malam Hamza Sani of Physical Planning and Municipal Services.

    Both parties also agreed to jointly pursue cutting-edge research in meteorology, climatology, nuclear science and material analyses to deliver outputs of global standard.

    As part of the arrangement, NiMet will identify sites for gaseous and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) mapping around airports and bear costs for consumables needed in nuclear instrumentation training.

    CERT on its part will provide land and infrastructure for the weather station, support NiMet’s soil fertility analysis to strengthen seasonal climate prediction, and build NiMet’s capacity in advanced environmental analysis — including harmattan dust and NORM evaluations.

    The centre will further train NiMet personnel in nuclear science and facilitate high-impact collaborative research, enhancing the agency’s flagship products such as the E-SCP, climate review bulletins, agro-meteorological advisories, and drought and flood monitoring reports.

  • NiMet warns of extreme weather events, climate variability

    NiMet warns of extreme weather events, climate variability

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has told Nigerians to prepare for extreme weather events and climate variability in the coming days due to climate change.

    The Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the extreme weather events could cause damage to buildings, infrastructure, and farmlands, displacement of people and loss of lives.

    The NiMet boss stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at a one-day sensitisation forum organised by NiMet in partnership with First Green White Resources.

    Prof. Anosike while stating the strategic role of the media in communicating scientific data to the public, noted that the agency’s success depends not only on the accuracy of its forecasts but also on effective communication.

    The DG urged the media to collaborate with the agency to make Nigeria better informed, prepared, and resilient in the face of climate variability and extreme weather events.

    He said, “Reports by the media guide disaster preparedness, food production, and help pilots avoid hazardous situations. The success of NiMet does not rest solely on the accuracy of our scientific data and information but also depends on the effectiveness of the information to the public which is where the media play a crucial role.

    “The management of NiMet is poised to provide quality service in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Within the last year alone, we have sponsored staff to training within and outside the country, and we have taken necessary steps to address issues concerning staff welfare.

    Read Also: NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Saturday 

    “If we are better informed and better prepared, we will be more resilient in the face of the recent extreme weather events and climate variability”. 

    The Director of Weather Forecasting Services (DWFS), Prof. Vincent Weli disclosed that plans are ongoing to share weather information to telecommunication subscribers through NiMet’s partnership with MTN.

    He said: “We just signed an MoU with MTN to be able to move to the next level where weather information can be appearing in the phones of Nigerians. We are not there yet, but we’re almost 70% to disseminate. 

    “MTN is the only network provider for now, but we also believe that we will reach out to other network providers so that no matter the network people use, they will be able to have weather information in the language that they understand.”