NEMA, NiMet Deepen Climate Partnership, Move to Launch National Early Warning System Roadmap

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have strengthened their inter-agency collaboration aimed at improving disaster preparedness and response across Nigeria, with both institutions agreeing to develop a national Early Warning System Roadmap.

This was the outcome of a courtesy visit by the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, to her counterpart at NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the NiMet Headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs. Umar commended NiMet for the early release of its 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), as well as what she described as “consistent and improved” daily weather forecasting services under the current leadership.

She said the visit, which included senior NEMA officials, was aimed at reinforcing institutional synergy between both agencies in addressing climate-induced emergencies.

She also underscored the need for closer operational integration, particularly the inclusion of NiMet in the NEMA Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to enhance real-time disaster preparedness and coordinated response nationwide.

Responding, Prof. Anosike welcomed the NEMA delegation and appreciated the recognition of NiMet’s contributions to national development and climate risk management.

He reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to working closely with NEMA and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to strengthen Nigeria’s disaster risk reduction framework.

He described the three agencies as strategic partners in advancing “renewed hope” in climate resilience and emergency management.

Prof. Anosike further called for the development of a comprehensive Nigerian Early Warning System Roadmap, jointly designed and implemented by NiMet, NEMA, and NIHSA.

According to him, such a framework would significantly improve coordination, trust, and efficiency in national disaster response mechanisms.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both agencies agreed to set up an immediate joint technical committee tasked with drafting and implementing the Early Warning System Roadmap.

The initiative is expected to strengthen early warning dissemination, improve preparedness, and ensure faster, more coordinated responses to climate-related disasters across the country.