The Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the National Council on Climate Change have agreed to deepen collaboration on climate services, climate data management and national climate resilience initiatives through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the agency on Wednesday following a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, to the Director-General of the NCCC Secretariat, Tenioye Majekodunmi, on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Anosike said NiMet remained the custodian of Nigeria’s long-term meteorological records, providing the baseline atmospheric data required for climate trend analysis, climate risk assessment and the development of reliable climate projections.

He stressed the need for closer collaboration between both institutions in co-developing climate projections, strengthening early warning systems, standardising climate data and undertaking joint research to support evidence-based climate policies and informed decision-making.

According to the statement, Anosike said enhanced collaboration would provide policymakers with localised, science-based information needed to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies while improving the downscaling of global climate projections into practical advisories for communities and climate-sensitive sectors.

He also said quality meteorological and climate data was essential for Nigeria to access international climate finance.

“Quality meteorological and climate data is a prerequisite for accessing international climate finance,” Anosike said, adding that both institutions could explore joint funding proposals to support climate resilience, early warning systems and climate infrastructure projects that would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to climate change.

Responding, the NCC boss welcomed Anosike and commended NiMet for its contributions to climate services and weather information in Nigeria, and expressed support for closer institutional collaboration.

The statement said both organisations agreed to formalise their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to promote sustained collaboration in climate services, climate data management, climate research, early warning systems, capacity development and other areas of mutual interest.

It added that the visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of NiMet and the NCCC to advancing national climate policy, strengthening institutional collaboration and protecting lives, livelihoods and the environment through improved climate services and evidence-based climate action.

The renewed collaboration builds on earlier efforts by both agencies to strengthen climate governance in Nigeria.

In August 2024, NiMet and the National Council on Climate Change resolved to deepen cooperation on climate action, with the weather agency highlighting its role as the custodian of more than 100 years of meteorological and climate data needed for climate adaptation, mitigation and the implementation of the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative.

In recent months, NiMet has also expanded partnerships with universities, state governments and development organisations to improve climate services, weather data dissemination and early warning systems.

In March 2026, the agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to strengthen climate research, enhance localised weather observations and support climate-smart agriculture and food security.