Leading telecommunications provider, MTN has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to disseminate weather and climate information to farmers and users nationwide.
This collaboration follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in February 2024 between NiMet and Tomorrow.io, a prominent weather intelligence company based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with a strong presence across Africa and the Middle East.
The partnership between MTN and NiMet signifies a commitment to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians by leveraging advanced weather intelligence solutions. Chief corporate services and sustainability officer of MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, Tobechukwu Okigbo emphasized MTN’s dedication to supporting national initiatives that improve the well-being of Nigerians. With over 77 million subscribers, MTN aims to facilitate the dissemination of weather information to farmers across Nigeria, contributing to the nation’s food security efforts.
Okigbo stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with NiMet and Tomorrow.io to extend this vital service to farmers nationwide. By harnessing our extensive network reach, we aim to enhance food security and foster a productive partnership.”
The director-general of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike highlighted the agency’s role as the Federal Government agency responsible for collecting, processing and disseminating meteorological data and information. He emphasised the importance of weather and climate data as essential planning tools for various sectors, including aviation, marine, oil and gas, construction and academia. Anosike expressed NiMet’s enthusiasm for partnering with MTN Nigeria to provide farmers with crucial weather and climate information, thereby supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, with food security as a key component.
The collaboration between MTN and NiMet aims to address several critical areas:
Dissemination of Weather Information: The partnership seeks to leverage MTN’s extensive telecommunications infrastructure to disseminate accurate weather and climate information to farmers and other users nationwide. By providing timely updates, farmers can make informed decisions to optimise agricultural practices and mitigate risks associated with adverse weather conditions.
Commercialisation of Weather Data: NiMet and Tomorrow.io are collaborating to commercialise weather data, aiming to enhance the accessibility and usability of weather intelligence solutions across various sectors. Through this initiative, stakeholders can leverage actionable insights derived from weather data to drive innovation and improve operational efficiency.
Enhancement of Forecast Accuracy: By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into weather forecasting models, the partnership seeks to improve the accuracy and reliability of weather predictions. This initiative is crucial for enabling proactive decision-making and minimising the impact of extreme weather events on agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Support for National Development Goals: The collaboration between MTN, NiMet and Tomorrow.io aligns with Nigeria’s broader development objectives, particularly in the areas of food security and economic resilience. By empowering farmers with actionable weather information, the partnership contributes to building a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, thereby advancing national prosperity and well-being.
The partnership between MTN and NiMet represents a significant step towards harnessing the power of technology to address pressing challenges facing the agricultural sector in Nigeria. By leveraging innovative weather intelligence solutions, the collaboration aims to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate dynamic weather patterns and optimise agricultural productivity. Through concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, stakeholders can work together to build a more resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
