NiMet warns Nigerians of dangerous weather ahead

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that extreme weather in the coming days may lead to loss of lives, destruction of buildings, damage to roads and farms, and displacement of people.

NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, gave this warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a sensitisation forum organised with First Green White Resources. He explained that climate change is causing unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions.

Prof. Anosike said the agency needs the media to help spread accurate information so that Nigerians can prepare and stay safe.

He stated:

“Media reports guide disaster preparedness, food production, and help pilots avoid danger. NiMet’s success is not only about accurate forecasts but also how well the public understands them. The media plays a key role in this.”

He added that NiMet will continue to provide quality services to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In the last year, the agency has trained many staff members both in Nigeria and abroad and has also worked to improve staff welfare.

He concluded:

“If we are well informed and prepared, we will be more resilient during these extreme weather events.”

Also speaking, NiMet’s Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Prof. Vincent Weli, revealed that the agency is working with MTN to send weather updates directly to people’s phones.

He said:

“We recently signed an agreement with MTN to send weather information to Nigerians. We are about 70% ready. For now, MTN is the only network, but we plan to include other networks so that everyone can receive weather updates in their local language.”