The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have agreed to deepen collaboration to enhance disaster preparedness, early warning systems and climate resilience across the region.
This was the outcome of a courtesy visit to NiMet headquarters in Abuja by a high-level delegation from ECOWAS led by director of humanitarian and social affairs, Dr. Sintiki Ugbe. The team was warmly received by the director-general of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike.
In his remarks, Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to regional cooperation in climate and weather services. He emphasised the strategic role NiMet plays in strengthening early warning systems in West Africa and expressed readiness to provide ECOWAS with technical support, training opportunities and expanded access to meteorological data.
Ugbe praised NiMet’s leadership and technical expertise, recalling the agency’s crucial support during the Sierra Leone mudslide disaster. She said the agency’s proactive response exemplifies the kind of partnerships needed to anticipate and respond to climate-driven humanitarian crises.
She stressed the importance of anticipatory action and regional coordination, adding that NiMet remains a key partner in co-developing services and strengthening institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction across Member States.
Areas identified for collaboration include joint technical exchanges, regional training programmes, and shared access to climate knowledge products that address the specific needs of West African communities.
Anosike also used the occasion to advocate for stronger institutional frameworks and support for NiMet’s cost recovery initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability. He highlighted the agency’s alignment with global initiatives such as the UN’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) and efforts to develop Nigeria’s National Framework for Early Warning Services.
Discussions also focused on the establishment of the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre, spearheaded by Prof. Mansur Matazu, former NiMet director-general and a member of the visiting team. The proposed Centre will serve as a regional hub for multi-hazard early warning coordination and response planning.
Both sides agreed to formalise their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which will guide future joint activities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to scale up regional resilience through science-based, inclusive, and coordinated climate action.
