Professor Charles Anosike, Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has called on Nigerian companies, universities and other organisations, to invest in climate and weather monitoring, prediction and awareness as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and to save lives.

Anosike who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stated this Wednesday at the National Weather Forecasting and Climate Research Centre, Abuja, on the occasion of this year’s World Meteorological Day themed- “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.”

He said the private sector has a critical role to play in strengthening meteorological observation systems and advancing weather and climate services and noted that across the world, private companies are increasingly investing in weather stations, remote sensing technologies, data analytics platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) weather models, and innovative observation tools that complement national meteorological networks and called on their counterparts to key into the trend.

Anosike said it was in recognition of the importance of synergy with other agencies and the private sector, that his management has entered into several agreements, signed MoUs for improved quality service delivery to the nation, adding that his agency has expanded its critical services to some developing countries within the African region.

“We recognise that public-private collaboration is essential to achieving a robust and sustainable national observation system. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to promote shared investments in meteorological infrastructure, improve data exchange, and encourage innovations in observation technologies.

“Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” is more than a theme, but a call to action, which is critical, imminent, and obligatory. We are essentially emphasising on investing today in the data and systems that will safeguard our future.

He said the theme of the year, is a reminder that “the quality of tomorrow’s forecasts depends on the observations we make today,” stating that weather and climate observations form the backbone of the science of meteorology.

“Every forecast, every early warning, and every climate outlook begins with accurate, timely, and reliable observations collected from land, water, air, and space.

“Over the years, NiMet has continued to expand and modernise Nigeria’s meteorological infrastructure. Our surface and upper-air observation networks, satellite data reception systems, and automatic weather stations provide the critical data required for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. These observations support safer aviation operations, improved agricultural planning, better disaster preparedness, maritime safety, and more informed decision-making across all sectors of the economy.

“Furthermore, in line with WMO Voluntary Cooperation Programme (VCP) and in fulfilment of the Agency’s international obligations, particularly to the Least Developed Countries, NiMet is presently providing Peer Advisory services to Liberia, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso, on Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). As part of this project, NiMet has developed independent technical documentations, analysis, and recommendations aimed at strengthening the observational capacity and infrastructure of these countries,” Anosike said.

Although a lot has been achieved by NiMet and the global meteorological body, Anosike said there is more work to be done.

“Despite these strides, it must, however, be noted that the demands placed on meteorological services today are far greater than ever before. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The lifespans of weather monitoring equipment are increasingly reduced by adverse weather. Governments, Communities, Businesses, and Livelihoods now rely more on timely and accurate weather information to make decisions that protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and sustain economic activities. To meet these growing expectations, no single institution or government can act alone.

“This is why the theme of this year’s celebration also calls for greater partnerships and collaboration, particularly with the private sector. Every weather station installed today, every observation collected today improves our understanding of the atmospheric dynamics for decades to come and strengthens our predictability of future weather and climate events.

“The State of the Climate in Nigeria 2025 report shows that extreme daytime temperatures (≥40℃) were recorded across 23 Nigerian cities, with the most intense and persistent heat occurring between March and June.

“The northwest and the northeastern states recorded the most intense heat. Nguru, Yobe State, recorded the highest number of hot days, with 100 days above 40℃. Also, the frequency and intensity of flood events are on the increase nationwide. All these and more are only possible with the help of quality observation information. With the growing demand for meteorological information occasioned by climate variability and change including extreme weather events, technological innovations, growing knowledge and market size, the viability of private sector participation is assured. Governments are creating the enabling policy environment for private investors to not only contribute to climate change adaptation but also recoup their investment through viable public-private joint ventures and tax-breaks.

“I therefore want to call on industry leaders, technology innovators, research institutions, financial institutions, and development partners to work closely with NiMet in expanding Nigeria’s meteorological observation capabilities.

“As we celebrate World Meteorological Day today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening meteorological observations, deepening partnerships, and investing in the science that protects our present and preserves our future,” he stated and thanked all participants for attending the event.

In a remark, the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Prof Celeste Saulo said the common purpose for all stakeholders is to self-examine ourselves in terms of building resilience to extreme weather and climate impacts.

“The need is urgent. The World Economic Forum annual Global Risks report has placed extreme weather as the top long-term global risk.

“The last 10 years have been the warmest on record in Africa. There are growing impacts from extreme heat, more intense rainfall, floods, persistent drought, and more sand and dust storms.

“These are not distant problems — they are today’s reality all over the globe including in Nigeria,” he said, noting that the observing and prediction system coordinated by the WMO community is the backbone of economies and underpin everything from daily routines to multi-billion-dollar decisions.

“Investing in NiMet should therefore be a priority but not be the responsibility of Government alone. The private sector and other partners are significant beneficiaries of climate services and should be involved in supporting NiMet,” the EMO boss stated and commended NiMet for its innovative drive for excellence and spirited efforts in establishing engagements with several private sector and partner organizations.

In his goodwill message, Director General of the Nigerian Hydrological Services (NHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed said the 2026 theme highlights the critical link between the observations we make today and the safety we build for tomorrow, saying it depicts the impacts of weather, climate and water-related issues on the generality of human population; and the need to save the earth for the future generation.

“Today, I recognized NiMet’s impact on our national development, spanning several decades. Despite the inherent challenge faced in weather and climate prediction, the forecasts have been reliable and accessible, and have greatly contributed to disaster risk mitigation strategies in the country.

“At NIHSA, we are proud to be associated with today’s celebration and equally celebrates the workforce of meteorologists, hydrologists, climatologists, engineers, scientists and support teams who are working together at the national level and around the world to observe, analyse and share weather, climate, and hydrological data for planning, management and protection of our society, environment and ecosystem,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, said aviation and meteorology have always been inseparable partners, noting that professionals in the meteorological services provide the “eyes” that allow Nigeria navigate the invisible complexities of the atmosphere.

He said that the of the event was a reminder that the safety of our skies depends on real-time, high-precision data. From detecting microbursts and wind shear at our airports to monitoring clear-air turbulence at 35,000 feet, adding that these critical data allow our pilots, aerodrome operators and air traffic controllers make life saving decisions quickly and with precision.

He said- “Protecting Tomorrow,” in my view, is where our greatest opportunities lie. As at 2026, we are witnessing a climate that is shifting more rapidly than ever before. Extreme weather events are no longer outliers; they are becoming part of our operational baseline.”

Njomo summarized the concept in two ways- Enhancing Resilience: NIMET is expected to invest in weather-resilient infrastructure to ensure our airports remain operational during extreme heatwaves and storms; and Technological Integration: NIMET should leverage on Artificial Intelligence and advanced satellite data to create to ensure the flight safety and regularity.