The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) have called for enhanced collaboration to bridge the gaps in early warning systems. This call was made during the World Meteorological Day celebrations in Abuja on Monday.
Simon Katu, representing the Director-General of NEMA, acknowledged the existing gaps in the accessibility, understanding, and actionability of early warnings at the community level. He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration among government agencies, meteorologists, emergency responders, development partners, and local communities to strengthen the dissemination of early warnings, invest in technology, and build local risk-reduction capacities.
Katu highlighted that the theme for this year, “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”, emphasizes the critical need for timely and accurate early warning systems that reach vulnerable communities, particularly those prone to climate-related hazards. He also praised NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction for helping shape NEMA’s disaster preparedness strategies, enhancing the agency’s ability to respond effectively to floods, droughts, and storms.
NiMet’s Director-General, Charles Anosike, emphasized that investing in early warning systems not only saves lives but also provides substantial economic returns. “Every dollar invested in early warning systems generates a tenfold return, contributing to stronger economies,” he said. He outlined NiMet’s efforts to upgrade weather systems, improve observation capabilities, and modernize hydrometeorological infrastructure to support proactive measures.
Despite the progress made, Anosike pointed out that challenges such as inadequate funding, limited access to modern technology, uncoordinated dissemination efforts, insecurity, and maintenance issues continue to hinder effective early warning systems. He stressed the need for collaboration across national and international partners, policymakers, the private sector, and local communities, acknowledging that the government alone cannot close the gaps.
Bernard Gomez, representing the WMO, underscored the importance of international cooperation in meteorological data sharing, highlighting that no country can collect global weather data on its own. He also warned about the escalating impacts of climate change, citing that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with temperatures briefly exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C. Gomez noted that Nigeria has seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, windstorms, floods, and dry spells over the past decade, which have significant implications for human lives and socio-economic development.
