NiMet Calls For Increased Funding, Security, And Technology To Strengthen Early Warning Systems

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has emphasized the need for adequate funding, improved security, and access to advanced technology to bridge existing gaps in the country’s early warning systems.

Speaking at the 2025 World Meteorological Day celebration in Abuja, NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed that collaboration among stakeholders is essential to closing these gaps. The event, themed “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together,” highlighted the crucial role of early warning systems in saving lives and protecting livelihoods.

“Unprecedented weather extremes in recent years have exposed vulnerabilities such as inadequate financing, lack of access to modern technologies, uncoordinated dissemination efforts, and security challenges,” Anosike stated. “Investing in early warning systems not only saves lives but also generates ten times the return on investment and strengthens economies.”

He called for proactive maintenance of early warning infrastructure, emphasizing that the responsibility cannot rest on the government alone. He also urged stakeholders in the weather and climate service sector to collaborate in ensuring that life-saving weather information reaches everyone.

Bernard Gomez, the Representative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), reinforced the importance of unrestricted exchange of weather-related data, noting its significant economic value and role in preventing losses from climate-related hazards.

He revealed that WMO is working to establish a regional wireless data center and a numerical weather prediction center of excellence in Nigeria to enhance data collection and early warning capabilities.

“WMO’s top priority is to ensure that early warning systems protect everyone, everywhere,” Gomez stated. “On a global scale, every $1 invested in early warning systems results in approximately $9 in net economic benefits.”

The event underscored the urgent need for strategic investments and partnerships to fortify Nigeria’s resilience against extreme weather and climate-related disasters.