The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has partnered with the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to enhance its capacity in climate data analysis through a specialized training program.
The initiative, part of the Building Agricultural Systems Resilience in Nigeria Project (2024-2026), is implemented by Sahel Consulting and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to develop and utilize climate information for decision-making.
The training, which will be conducted in two phases, is scheduled to take place from February 18th to 21st for a Training of Trainers (ToT) session. A subsequent session from February 24th to 28th will see NiMet-trained staff cascade their knowledge to participants from various ministries and agencies under the guidance of an IRI expert.
Speaking during a visit by the project partners on Monday, February 17, 2025, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude to The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and IRI for their support. He emphasized the importance of access to high-quality climate data for developing effective and sustainable climate services in Nigeria.
“Access to high-quality climate data and information is crucial for developing effective, decision-relevant, and sustainable climate services. The training will improve the capacity of our staff, the beneficiaries of the training, and others who would also benefit, in effectively using climate information products,”Anosike stated.
The training program is expected to enhance the technical expertise of NiMet personnel, allowing them to generate and interpret climate data more efficiently. This, in turn, will contribute to improved climate risk management in key sectors, particularly agriculture, where climate variability significantly impacts productivity and food security.
Dr. Tufa Dinku, a research scientist with IRI and a key facilitator of the program, highlighted the importance of equipping meteorological agencies with cutting-edge climate analysis tools. “Strengthening NiMet’s technical capacity will not only improve the accuracy of climate forecasts but also support the government’s efforts in mitigating climate risks across various sectors,” he said.
The collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader climate resilience agenda, reinforcing efforts to integrate climate-smart solutions into policy and practice. By leveraging international expertise and funding, NiMet aims to bridge gaps in climate services and provide more robust, data-driven insights to policymakers and stakeholders.
