The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a stark warning about impending extreme weather conditions that could lead to loss of lives, displacement, and widespread damage to infrastructure, farmlands, and buildings.
Speaking at a sensitisation forum in Abuja, NiMet’s Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, urged Nigerians to brace for the adverse effects of climate variability driven by climate change. He emphasized that the agency’s forecasts show an increased risk of weather-related disasters in the coming days.
“The potential impacts include the destruction of property, forced migration of communities, and even fatalities,” Anosike stated. “While accurate forecasting is critical, our ability to effectively communicate this information to the public is equally essential.”
Anosike highlighted the media’s critical role in relaying scientific information to the public, noting that their reports shape disaster response, agricultural planning, and aviation safety. He also reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to aligning its operations with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by investing in staff training and improving public service delivery.
In a related development, NiMet’s Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Professor Vincent Weli, disclosed that the agency has partnered with telecom provider MTN to deliver weather updates directly to mobile phone users.
“Through this partnership, Nigerians will soon begin receiving real-time weather alerts on their phones in accessible local languages,” Weli said, adding that the project is 70 percent complete and will be expanded to other networks.
The agency called for public vigilance and greater media collaboration to ensure that citizens are informed, prepared, and resilient against looming weather threats.
