The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has unveiled plans to improve its seasonal climate predictions, aiming to mitigate disaster risks and enhance national resilience.
This initiative was announced by NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, during a courtesy visit from Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Anosike revealed that NiMet and the university have agreed to fortify their existing partnership, paving the way for collaborative research and outreach programs. This strengthened alliance is expected to yield innovative solutions and enhance the agency’s capabilities in addressing climate-related challenges.
“NiMet and Nasarawa State University can collaborate on community outreach initiatives to educate the public on weather and climate information,” said the NiMet boss.
Anosike added that the agency is also focusing on early warnings and addressing disaster risks.
He said, “We are also considering early warnings, as they are very important to us. Addressing disaster risks is at the core of what we do. Nasarawa State is very viable concerning agriculture. One major area that we need to start immediately is the downscaling of our seasonal climate prediction.”
Responding, Prof. Liman said the university would explore the partnership in training its staff members to meet global standards in meteorology and related fields.
“We are visiting our partners to strengthen our relationships. We look forward to renewing the partnership between both institutions in terms of research and education, exchange of staff to enhance teaching and learning, funding of research and education, and training our staff to meet global standards in meteorology and related fields,” said the vice-chancellor.