By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has called for increased private sector investment in weather observation systems, warning that Nigeria’s ability to predict and withstand extreme climate events depends on the quality of data collected today.
Speaking at the World Meteorological Day 2026 in Abuja, the agency’s Director-General, Charles Anosike, emphasised that accurate and timely weather data remains the backbone of forecasting, early warning systems, and climate projections.
Anchoring his remarks on the theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow, Anosike noted that weather data already plays a critical role in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, disaster management, and maritime operations.
He, however, stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient to meet rising demands, urging stronger collaboration with private investors.
According to him, global trends increasingly show private sector involvement in advanced weather technologies, including remote sensing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence-driven forecasting.
Anosike described investment in meteorological infrastructure as both urgent and essential, noting that each new weather station strengthens the country’s capacity to protect lives and support economic activities.
He also disclosed that NiMet is expanding its footprint beyond Nigeria, offering technical advisory services to countries such as Liberia, Niger, Somalia, and Burkina Faso through international partnerships coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization.
The call highlights growing concerns over climate resilience and the need for modernised weather systems to support national development.
