The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media and civil society in order to enhance public awareness, preparedness, and resilience in the face of climate-related risks and extreme weather events.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day Media Dialogue on Weather and Climate Reporting, held at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse II, Abuja, the Director-General and CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, welcomed participants and emphasized the agency’s critical role in safeguarding lives and livelihoods through timely weather forecasts and early warnings.
“Our mission at NiMet goes beyond producing scientifically accurate and timely weather forecasts. We are equally responsible for the effective communication and dissemination of this information to the public, which is where you—the media and civil society groups—play an indispensable role.” Professor Anosike stated.
He explained that the media dialogue was also designed to update stakeholders on recent reforms undertaken by NiMet under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, including
Sponsoring staff for various categories of local and international training;
Deliberate efforts to improve staff welfare;
Settlement of outstanding salaries and claims inherited by the current administration.
The DG NiMet further encouraged participants to engage actively, ask questions, and share ideas, noting that partnerships between NiMet and the media are crucial to closing communication gaps, especially in getting early warning information to communities at risk.
Facilitator of the event, Mr. Bonaventure Phillips Melah, emphasized that the forum was organized to strengthen collaboration between journalists and NiMet experts, eliminate communication barriers, and enhance the quality and impact of climate reporting in Nigeria.
He urged journalists to freely share their challenges in accessing weather and climate information, and encouraged NiMet staff to provide full support and clarity to reporters in the course of their work.
