The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening proactive, data driven disaster preparedness across Nigeria.
He made this known on Thursday, 4th December 2025, at the Anticipatory Action National Conference convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Nigeria.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Prof. Anosike underscored the critical urgency of anticipatory action, noting that Nigeria remains highly vulnerable to floods, drought, and a range of extreme weather events.
He highlighted the positive impact of early warning systems in the previous year, stating that “early warning systems helped save thousands of lives during the devastating floods in Nigeria, imagine the impact we could have if data driven anticipatory action were implemented across the nation.”
According to him, NiMet has made significant progress in upgrading its weather observation and forecasting infrastructure through an expanded meteorological network and adoption of advanced technologies.
He cited tools such as the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as essential resources now widely used by farmers, emergency responders, urban planners, and policymakers. “By providing early warnings on rainfall patterns, drought likelihood, and extreme events, we empower communities to prepare and adapt, turning information into action,” he said, reaffirming NiMet’s continued efforts to guide key stakeholders nationwide.
Prof. Anosike stressed that anticipatory action cannot be driven by one institution alone, but requires a whole society approach where communities are engaged, systems communicate seamlessly, and knowledge is accessible to all.
While acknowledging persistent challenges, including data gaps and limited technological access in rural areas, he expressed optimism that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and mobile platforms would further strengthen early warning and response systems.
He urged participants to embrace innovative thinking and deepen collaboration across sectors, stating that “together, we can move from reacting to disasters to anticipating and preventing them.”
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of an award to Prof. Anosike in recognition of NiMet’s outstanding contribution to advancing data-driven solutions for disaster preparedness and climate resilience in Nigeria.
