NiMet Reaffirms Commitment to Climate–Nutrition Collaboration at GAIN SNIPS Project Close-Out

NiMet Reaffirms Commitment to Climate–Nutrition Collaboration at GAIN SNIPS Project Close-Out

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Charles Anosike, has restated the agency’s commitment to stronger partnerships that promote climate-smart agriculture and improved nutrition in the country.

He made the remark at the close-out ceremony of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) project, implemented by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based foundation established at the United Nations in 2002 to tackle malnutrition and support vulnerable populations through better food systems.

In his keynote address, Prof. Anosike commended GAIN and its partners for their dedication to improving food systems, describing the SNIPS project as “a testament to what can be achieved when we unite expertise, resources and passion for a common goal.”

He noted the increasing impact of climate variability on Nigeria’s food production, pointing to erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells and other pressures affecting crop yields and nutritional quality. He emphasized NiMet’s mandate to provide reliable weather and climate information that supports farmers in making informed decisions on planting, harvesting and crop protection.

“This supports higher yields, reduces losses and ensures that the staples reaching Nigerian households are both abundant and nutritious,” he said.

The DG also highlighted the project’s success in integrating nutrition-sensitive agriculture with climate-smart practices across Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Oyo states. He commended GAIN for ensuring strong participation of women and young people, noting that empowering these groups through training, decision-making roles and livelihood opportunities is essential for building resilient food systems.

Prof. Anosike stressed that addressing food security and nutrition challenges requires sustained collaboration. He reaffirmed NiMet’s readiness to deepen partnerships with GAIN, government agencies and the private sector to expand early-warning systems, strengthen farmer education and promote innovation in climate-smart agriculture.

“As we celebrate the achievements of SNIPS, let us also look to the future. Your dedication is shaping a healthier, more food-secure Nigeria. NiMet stands ready to collaborate as we move forward together,” he said.