NiMet Seeks Private Sector Investment In Weather, Climate Activities

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has called for private sector investment in climate and weather activities.

Anosike said the private sector has a critical role to play in strengthening meteorological observation systems and advancing weather and climate services, stating that private companies are increasingly investing in weather stations, remote sensing technologies, data analytics platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) weather models, and innovative observation tools that complement national meteorological networks across the world.

The director general and chief executive officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike made the call at an event to mark the 2026 World Meteorological Day In Abuja on Wednesday.

Anosike said it was in recognition of the importance of synergy with other agencies and the private sector, that his management has entered into several agreements, signed MoUs for improved quality service delivery to the nation, adding that his agency has expanded its critical services to some developing countries within the African region.

According to him, “We recognise that public-private collaboration is essential to achieving a robust and sustainable national observation system. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to promote shared investments in meteorological infrastructure, improve data exchange, and encourage innovations in observation technologies.

“Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” is more than a theme, but a call to action, which is critical, imminent, and obligatory. We are essentially emphasising on investing today in the data and systems that will safeguard our future.”

Also speaking, the director, public affairs and consumer protection, NiMet, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji said “the theme of the 2026 celebration, ‘Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,’ speaks directly to our core mandate. At NiMet, observation is not an abstract concept. It is our network of synoptic stations, agrometeorological stations, upper-air stations, marine observations, and more, that we operate daily, often under challenging conditions, to keep Nigeria informed and safe.

“This year’s celebration is particularly important. It challenges us to rethink how we expand and sustain our observation systems. And this is where the role of everyone becomes critical.”

The director general, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, while speaking at the event, said aviation and meteorology have always been inseparable partners, noting that professionals in the meteorological services provide the “eyes” that allow Nigeria to navigate the invisible complexities of the atmosphere.

Najomo further noted that the event was a reminder that the safety of our skies depends on real-time, high-precision data.

The secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, Prof Celeste Saulo said the last ten years have been the warmest on record in Africa and there are growing impacts from extreme heat, more intense rainfall, floods, persistent drought, and more sand and dust storms.

He noted that “These are not distant problems, they are today’s reality all over the globe including in Nigeria.”