The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, and the President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Dr Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, have called for increased investment in weather and climate services across Africa to close critical observation gaps and strengthen early-warning systems.
The duo made the call at the opening of the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, which began on October 13 and will end on October 15 in Lagos.
Anosike, who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the WMO, said Africa accounted for approximately 30 per cent of the global weather and climate observation deficit, leaving the continent vulnerable to climate-related disasters and other weather hazards.
He disclosed that Africa had only about 12.5 per cent of the minimum weather station density recommended by the WMO, while compliance with requirements for surface land stations and upper-air stations stood at seven per cent and nine per cent, respectively, across 53 African countries.
The NiMet boss stressed that urgent action was needed to improve weather observation infrastructure, expand public-private partnerships and strengthen data collection and management systems.
According to him, government funding alone cannot bridge the existing gaps, making increased investment in observation facilities, remote sensing technology, data analytics and digital platforms imperative.
He also highlighted NiMet’s contributions to aviation safety, agriculture, maritime operations and disaster risk management, noting that weather forecasts must be translated into practical information that helps individuals, businesses and governments make informed decisions.
Anosike said strengthening early-warning systems would improve preparedness and help protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure against weather-related hazards.
Similarly, the WMO President urged Nigeria and other African countries to prioritise investment in meteorological and hydrological services to enhance disaster preparedness, protect livelihoods and promote sustainable economic growth.
Al Mandous described the period leading to 2030 as critical to closing capacity gaps in weather and climate services, stressing the need for stronger institutions and sustained financial commitments.
He commended Nigeria for its growing contribution to regional cooperation, noting that the country had moved beyond receiving technical assistance to sharing expertise with other African nations.
He cited Nigeria’s support for Burkina Faso as a peer reviewer under the Country Hydromet Assessment initiative as an example of its contribution to strengthening regional capacity.
The WMO chief called on governments and development partners to increase funding, strengthen institutional frameworks, deepen collaboration with key economic sectors and promote regional cooperation.
“Our direction is clear: to turn assessments into investments, investments into lasting capacity, and early warnings into early action that saves lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Anosike, in turn, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, for their support in strengthening NiMet’s institutional capacity and operational efficiency.
The three-day meeting has brought together government representatives, development partners, financial institutions and other stakeholders to identify investment priorities and strengthen collaboration towards closing gaps in weather, water and climate services by 2030.
