NiMet, China Deepen Cooperation On Early Warning Systems

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on early warning systems, satellite technology and institutional development.

The two agencies reached the agreement during a strategic engagement on the sidelines of the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting.

CMA Deputy Administrator, Song Shanyun, commended Nigeria for hosting the meeting and praised NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, for his leadership in advancing meteorological services.

Song said China was ready to support Nigeria’s efforts to improve weather forecasting and meteorological services. He also stressed the importance of closer cooperation between both countries in addressing weather-related challenges.

He identified three priority areas for collaboration, including the joint development of the MAZU operational platform for Nigeria, wider application of Fengyun satellite technology and stronger capacity-building programmes.

The proposed initiatives are expected to improve meteorological observation, strengthen early warning capabilities and enhance institutional expertise.

Responding, Anosike thanked the Chinese Government and CMA for sending a six-member delegation to the annual meeting. He described the delegation’s participation as evidence of China’s commitment to advancing meteorological development.

The NiMet chief executive called for both agencies to formalise their partnership through a memorandum of understanding.

He said the agreement should reflect Nigeria’s social and economic priorities as well as the country’s practical meteorological needs.

At the end of the engagement, CMA presented NiMet with two tablet devices equipped with the MAZU artificial intelligence agent for urban multi-hazard early warning.

The devices will serve as dedicated terminals for delivering meteorological early warning information, supporting efforts to improve access to timely alerts about potential hazards.

Both agencies also agreed to establish a regular communication channel to coordinate joint activities and sustain progress on their proposed areas of cooperation.

The partnership comes as meteorological agencies face growing demands for timely and reliable information to help communities and institutions prepare for weather-related hazards.