The director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike has been elected president of the ECOWAS Committee of Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NMHSs).
His election took place during the Committee’s 14th Meeting, held from May 20 to 22, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The committee, made up of heads of NMHSs across West Africa, promotes regional collaboration on weather, climate and water services. It focuses on strengthening early warning systems, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience under the ECOWAS Hydromet Initiative.
In his acceptance remarks, Professor Anosike reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing regional cooperation. “As we confront the challenges of climate change, our collective action is crucial. I am honoured to lead this committee at such a pivotal time,” he said.
Delegates from ECOWAS member states—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Cape Verde (virtually)—participated, alongside partners including WMO, ACMAD, AGRHYMET, WASCAL, the ECOWAS Commission, the World Bank and MOWCA.
The meeting was officially opened by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana. A major highlight was the review of the “Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL)” initiative, targeting full regional implementation by 2027.
Anosike’s election underscores Nigeria’s growing leadership in regional climate action and innovation among NMHSs in West Africa.
