FGWR commends NiMet’s rebirth in sustaining climate science for action

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been commended for its ongoing transformation and rebirth, which has positioned Nigeria as a reference point for climate science action, including accurate weather forecasting and real-time warnings for farmers, aviation operators, sailors, and other critical sectors.

First Green White Resources Centre (FGWR), a pan-Nigerian research initiative for measurable development, gave the commendation at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Specifically, the Centre lauded the uncommon vision, commitment, and dedication of the Director-General/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, who also doubles as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It noted that the recent approval by the Federal Government of a consolidated salary structure and reviewed conditions of service for the agency’s workers would remain a lasting legacy in the history of NiMet.

In a speech at the press conference titled, “Rebirth of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency: Sustaining Climate Science for Action,” the Founder of FGWR, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, noted that under the management of NiMet, the past two years and a few months have been marked by unprecedented achievements. He added that workers are already enjoying the benefits of various initiatives, policies, reforms, and schemes aimed at enhancing welfare, skills acquisition, and overall well-being.

FGWR recalled that the approvals for the new salary structure and conditions of service were contained in a letter written by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and addressed to the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The letter stated that the Federal Government had approved the recommended consolidated salary structure for NiMet, effective June 1, 2026, as well as a new Staff Conditions of Service for the agency.

Quoting available records, the Centre said NiMet’s conditions of service were last reviewed 28 years ago. It added that efforts by previous managements of the agency to review the all-important document had been frustrated by bureaucratic bottlenecks, leaving workers dissatisfied.

The statement read:

“Prof. Charles Anosike was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of NiMet by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in December 2023. Since then, the agency has recorded several milestone achievements. Anosike also serves as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

“Some of Anosike’s bold footprints at NiMet in the past two years include infrastructure upgrades, which have resulted in the installation of high-grade modern equipment, as well as the digitalisation of climate and weather forecasting operations, early warning mechanisms, and the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) presentation and ICT Unit.

“The management has invested significantly in capacity development and professionalism through constant training and retraining of staff to ensure that operations comply with international best practices and operate at optimal standards.

“Within the period under review, NiMet has also become a preferred destination for young men and women from Nigeria and across West Africa seeking careers in meteorology-related fields. This has been achieved through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Training Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, and the Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST) located in Katsina State, both operated by the agency.

“Following the massive transformation carried out by NiMet’s management, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accredited courses offered at the two institutions, which currently award National Diploma certificates. The institutions are also being expanded to award Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDs) and upgraded from monotechnics to polytechnics.

“As its name implies, the WMO Regional Training Centre admits students from Nigeria and other West African countries. The school is dedicated to enhancing global capacity to observe, understand, and predict weather, climate, and water-related phenomena, while the Katsina-based MBMIST offers a range of diploma programmes in meteorology and climate studies compliant with NBTE, WMO, and ISO standards.

“Just a few days ago, Prof. Anosike was honoured with the 2026 Educational Excellence Award for his outstanding leadership and several initiatives aimed at advancing education. At the award ceremony, held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Faculty of Education, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Anosike was praised for turning meteorological science into learning, training, and capacity-building opportunities that reach classrooms, universities, and young professionals across the country.”

According to Bonaventure:

“As NiMet CEO, Prof. Anosike has led a transformative push to make climate data more actionable, inclusive, and accessible. Early warning systems have been significantly upgraded to provide timely, impact-based forecasts that help mitigate the effects of floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.

“These systems are not only more accurate, but are now reaching farmers, local governments, and disaster managers in real time, often through digital platforms and mobile networks. The management has also championed the use of digital climate advisory services and AI-powered forecasting tools to deliver tailored weather insights, especially to smallholder farmers who are among the most vulnerable to climate shocks.

“By translating forecasts into local languages and accessible formats, NiMet is breaking down long-standing barriers in climate communication and ensuring that no community is left behind.

“These milestones have been made possible through Anosike’s approach to building partnerships across universities, development agencies, and the private sector to scale sustainable infrastructure, expand weather station networks, and train a new generation of climate scientists.

“One of the most recent strategic partnerships is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NiMet and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on data sharing. The signing took place at the apex bank’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

“While NiMet’s team was led by Prof. Anosike, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, led the CBN delegation.”

FGWR further quoted Prof. Charles Anosike as highlighting the importance of integrating weather and climate data into economic research, especially in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation.

“Prof. Anosike noted that extreme weather events can reduce agricultural productivity and threaten food security. He added that the collaboration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises food security through major agricultural investments, including the cultivation of 10 million hectares of land and the distribution of mechanised equipment.

“Prof. Anosike cited the World Bank (2026), which reports that extreme weather driven by climate change is significantly affecting global food security, with more than 87 million people facing hunger in East and Southern Africa and 52 million in West and Central Africa. He also referenced the Berkeley Earth Report (2026), which projects that 2026 is likely to be the fourth warmest year on record, a trend that continues to shape agricultural and energy market projections.

“In his remarks, Muhammad said the signing of the MoU marked an important step in strengthening the partnership between two key national institutions whose mandates intersect in data, research, and policy support. He emphasised that in an increasingly complex and dynamic economic environment, timely and reliable data remain essential for effective policy decisions.

“He further noted that the Economic Policy Directorate relies heavily on timely and credible statistical information from NiMet. Such data, he said, are critical for inflation monitoring, agricultural sector assessment, and broader economic policy advisory functions. He described the initiative as both timely and important, adding that strong institutional partnerships are essential for strengthening evidence-based policymaking and improving the robustness of national data systems.

“Anosike has also been a vocal advocate for integrating climate risk into urban planning and sustainability reporting, pushing institutions and businesses to adopt proactive resilience strategies.”

Apart from the ongoing institutional transformation at NiMet, the management has also focused serious attention on workers’ welfare and overall performance enhancement through annual training programmes for staff; payment of subsistence benefits; payment of furniture grants; settlement of inherited 45-month minimum wage arrears covering 2019 to 2022; introduction of send-forth ceremonies for retiring officers; provision of staff bus services covering major routes, including Kuje, Gwagwalada, Mararaba, and Kubwa; improved management-staff relations through sustained engagement with labour unions and stakeholders; introduction of a seamless payslip management system; and improved refresher courses for meteorologists and observers.

The Centre therefore called on NiMet workers to reciprocate the commitment of the government and management to their welfare by recommitting themselves to the vision of the agency’s leadership for greater achievements.

“On the other hand, there is now a burden on NiMet workers and their various labour unions to recommit themselves to hard work, loyalty, and dedication to duty as a practical show of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN; and Professor Charles Anosike, their Chief Executive Officer, for the monumental transformations taking place in NiMet.

“As the saying goes, ‘To whom much is given, much more is expected,’” the Centre stated.