By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
Under the able leadership of Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet, which has long played a central role in Nigeria’s agricultural and climate information systems, provides early warning advisories, seasonal climate predictions, and digital climate services. Its growing emphasis on innovation has positioned the country among early adopters of AI-driven weather forecasting technologies.
Nigeria was among the first countries selected for the AI Weather Forecasting Training Program launched in September 2025 by AIM for Scale in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the University of Chicago in Abu Dhabi.
The program equips countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America with tools to independently generate and deliver localized weather forecasts.
In a major step toward strengthening agricultural productivity and climate resilience, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AIM for Scale to enhance the delivery of weather and climate information to farmers nationwide.
The agreement focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into weather forecasting systems and expanding digital advisory services, enabling farmers to access timely, accurate, and actionable climate information.
The initiative is expected to improve decision-making, reduce climate-related risks, and boost agricultural output across Nigeria.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s weather and climate services.
He noted that integrating AI into forecasting systems would strengthen institutional capacity and expand the reach of advisory services, ensuring more farmers receive timely and relevant information. According to him, access to accurate rainfall forecasts and climate data will enable farmers to better plan planting and harvesting seasons while minimizing risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns.
“Providing accurate and timely weather and climate information is essential for national development, food security, and disaster risk management,” Anosike said.
Also speaking at the event, Imara Salas, Director of AIM for Scale, emphasized the transformative potential of AI-powered forecasting and digital advisory systems. She highlighted that the collaboration could significantly improve crop yields, optimize resource use, and enhance resilience among millions of smallholder farmers.
AIM for Scale, supported by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to accelerate agricultural innovation at scale.
Through the partnership, both organizations will leverage AI-driven insights tailored to farmers’ needs, translating complex climate data into practical guidance. This is expected to help farmers make informed decisions on crop selection, input management, and risk mitigation.
The collaboration marks a critical step in modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, as climate variability continues to pose challenges to food security and rural livelihoods.
With the integration of advanced forecasting technologies, NiMet is poised to further strengthen its role in delivering actionable climate services, ensuring that innovation directly benefits farmers and supports sustainable agricultural growth nationwide.
