NiMet Urges Use of AI, Satellites to Combat Climate Threats

NiMet Urges Use of AI, Satellites to Combat Climate Threats

The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Charles Anosike, has called for the adoption of innovative technologies to strengthen Nigeria’s response to growing climate challenges.

Anosike made the call at the opening of the 2026 International Conference of the Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMetS) and its 35th Annual General Meeting held at the University of Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Meteorology: Harnessing AI, Satellites, and Big Data for Climate Resilience and Sustainability,” the NiMet boss said the realities of climate change demand practical, science-driven solutions.

“Climate change is no longer a distant concern. It is a lived reality, expressed through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, droughts, heatwaves, and increasing weather extremes that affect ecosystems, economies, and societies, especially in Africa,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria is already grappling with a range of climate-related challenges, including temperature extremes, shifting rainfall patterns, desertification in the northern region, and coastal erosion in the south.

According to him, conventional approaches to weather forecasting and climate monitoring are no longer adequate, stressing that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite systems and big data analytics are now critical to modern meteorology.

He explained that AI-driven forecasts, supported by satellite observations and high-performance computing, have become central to NiMet’s operations, enabling more accurate and timely predictions.

Anosike also highlighted ongoing collaborations with global partners, including AIM for Scale, Ignitia, Tomorrow.io, the Korean Meteorological Authority and the China Meteorological Administration, aimed at deepening the integration of AI into Nigeria’s meteorological services.

He added that NiMet’s Digital Climate Advisory Service is already supporting farmers with weather-based information to improve productivity and build resilience against climate variability.

The NiMet chief further urged professional bodies, researchers and educators to play active roles in advancing meteorology, while calling on the private sector and civil society to support the development of robust climate services.

He encouraged the society to mentor young professionals, uphold ethical standards and bridge the gap between scientific research and policy formulation, in line with the global Early Warnings for All initiative.

Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to leveraging science and innovation to safeguard lives and livelihoods, and to support sustainable national development.

At the event, he was also conferred with a fellowship and commendation award in recognition of his contributions to meteorological services.