Emmanuel Daudu/Maryam Aminu
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s weather, aviation and hydrological sectors have raised fresh concerns over the growing threat of extreme weather, urging urgent investments in data systems, infrastructure and partnerships to safeguard lives and the economy.
This was the central message at the 2026 World Meteorological Day celebration held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in Abuja, where experts warned that climate-related risks are intensifying across Africa, including Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted that extreme weather has now emerged as the leading long-term global risk, according to the World Economic Forum.
She noted that Africa has experienced its warmest decade on record, with increasing incidents of heatwaves, floods, droughts, and sandstorms trends already affecting Nigeria.
“These are not distant problems they are today’s reality,” she stressed, calling for stronger observation systems and early warning mechanisms to mitigate disasters.
Also speaking, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, underscored the critical role of meteorological data in aviation safety.
He described weather observation as “the foundation of every takeoff and landing,” noting that real-time data helps pilots and air traffic controllers navigate hazards such as turbulence, wind shear, and storms.
Najomo warned that climate change is rapidly altering aviation conditions, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent.
He called for:
Investment in weather-resilient airport infrastructure
Adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and satellite systems
Stronger collaboration with NiMet to enhance operational safety
Speakers emphasized that while meteorological services are essential, they remain expensive to maintain, with significant gaps still existing in observation systems.
There were strong calls for increased funding of NiMet, not only by government but also by the private sector, which benefits from climate services across industries such as agriculture, health, disaster management, and energy.
In his remarks, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, praised NiMet’s contributions to national development, particularly in disaster risk reduction.
He noted that weather and climate forecasts in Nigeria have become increasingly reliable and accessible, helping to protect vulnerable communities and support economic planning.
Mohammed also urged stakeholders to expand the use of meteorological and hydrological data, especially among populations most at risk of climate impacts.
“Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow”
The 2026 theme“Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” was widely echoed by speakers as a call to action.
Participants stressed that accurate weather observation and data management remain the backbone of modern economies, influencing decisions from daily activities to multi-billion-dollar investments.
They warned that without urgent and sustained investment in climate observation systems today, future risks could escalate significantly.
As the demand for weather and climate services continues to grow, stakeholders agreed that strengthening partnerships, embracing innovation, and expanding data coverage are critical to building a more resilient Nigeria.
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