The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on climate services, climate data management and national climate resilience through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving evidence-based climate action across the country.
The agreement followed a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, to the Director-General of the NCCC Secretariat, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe’s successor, Tenioye Majekodunmi, on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by NiMet on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Anosike described NiMet as the custodian of Nigeria’s long-term meteorological records, noting that the agency provides the baseline atmospheric data required for climate trend analysis, climate risk assessment and the development of reliable climate projections.
He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between both institutions in co-developing climate projections, strengthening early warning systems, standardising climate data and undertaking joint research to support evidence-based policymaking and informed national planning.
According to Anosike, closer institutional cooperation would provide policymakers with localised, science-based information needed to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies while improving the translation of global climate projections into practical advisories for communities and climate-sensitive sectors.
He also emphasised that access to quality meteorological and climate data remains a critical requirement for Nigeria to secure international climate finance.
“Quality meteorological and climate data is a prerequisite for accessing international climate finance,” Anosike said, adding that both agencies could jointly develop funding proposals to support climate resilience, early warning systems and climate infrastructure projects capable of strengthening the country’s response to climate change.
READ ALSO: NiMet Forecasts Nationwide Dust Haze, Thunderstorms
Responding, Majekodunmi commended NiMet for its contributions to weather forecasting and climate services, expressing support for deeper institutional collaboration.
LBoth organisations subsequently agreed to formalise their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering climate services, climate data management, climate research, early warning systems, capacity development and other areas of mutual interest.
NiMet said the agreement reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing Nigeria’s climate policy, strengthening institutional cooperation and protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment through improved climate services and science-driven climate action.
The renewed partnership builds on previous efforts by both agencies to enhance climate governance in Nigeria.
In August 2024, NiMet and the National Council on Climate Change resolved to deepen cooperation on climate action, with the agency highlighting its role as custodian of more than a century of meteorological and climate data needed for climate adaptation, mitigation and the implementation of the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative.
In recent months, NiMet has also expanded collaboration with universities, state governments and development partners to improve climate services and weather information dissemination.
In March 2026, the agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to strengthen climate research, enhance localised weather observations and promote climate-smart agriculture and food security.