NiMet calls for private sector investment in meteorological infrastructure
The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has called for private sector investment in meteorological infrastructure to boost weather forecasting and climate monitoring. Speaking in Abuja
- By Faith Yahaya, Abuja
The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has called for private sector investment in meteorological infrastructure to boost weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the celebration of World Meteorological Day, with the theme 'Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow', Anosike said more needs to be done to meet the growing demands for meteorological information.
While lamenting that adverse weather increasingly reduces the lifespans of weather monitoring equipment, Anosike noted that the demands currently placed on meteorological services are greater than ever before.
He said, "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.
"The private sector has a critical role to play in strengthening meteorological observation systems and advancing weather and climate services.
He continued, "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.
"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 call on industry leaders, technology innovators, research institutions, financial institutions such as the Nigeria Stock Exchange, and development partners to work closely with NiMet in expanding Nigeria’s meteorological observation capabilities."
Anosike, while highlighting the importance of meteorological infrastructure, cited the State of the Climate in Nigeria 2025 report, which showed that extreme daytime temperatures were recorded across 23 Nigerian cities between March and June, with the northwest and northeastern states recording the most intense heat.
He added, "Nguru in Yobe State recorded the highest number of hot days, with 100 days above 40℃. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of flood events are increasing nationwide. All these and more are only possible with the help of quality observation information".
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NiMet, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, noted that NiMet's observation systems are crucial in keeping Nigeria informed and safe.
She also emphasised the need for sustained investment in the meteorological equipment to enhance the agency's forecasting capabilities and support national development.
The Representative of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Roland Abah, stressed the urgency of private sector investment, citing the World Economic Forum's Global Risks report, which places extreme weather as the top long-term global risk.
Abah said, "The observing and prediction system is central for early warnings, which continues to save many millions of lives and investments in sectors such as aviation, disaster management, energy, health, and agriculture, to mention a few.
"The meteorological observations and data management value chain is, however, quite expensive to manage. Despite the progress made in Earth system observations globally, there are still significant gaps.
"Investing in NiMet should therefore be a priority, but not the responsibility of the Government alone. The private sector and other partners are significant beneficiaries of climate services and should be involved in supporting NiMet."
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed, commended NiMet for its efforts in providing reliable weather forecasts.
Mohammed said stakeholders must do more to increase and optimise investments in observations today to protect the future.
"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.
"I encourage us to continue to propagate the numerous forecasts to the needy. In doing so, we will collectively take advantage of weather, climate, and hydrological forecasts to improve the economy of our nation and well-being of the citizens, particularly, the livelihoods of the most vulnerable population".
