NiMet Showcases AI Strategy for Smarter Weather Forecasts at Global WMO Forum

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), , has highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in weather forecasting, stressing that quality observation systems are critical to delivering accurate and reliable climate services for farmers.

Prof. Anosike made the remarks while participating in the Executive Council Side Event on “Scaling AI-Powered Weather Services for Farmers” held at the WMO Headquarters.

The event brought together meteorological experts, policymakers and development partners to explore how AI can improve weather forecasting, strengthen climate services for agriculture and enhance global food security through innovation and collaboration.

Speaking during the session, Anosike said the success of AI-driven weather forecasting depends on the availability of quality observations, calling for greater investment to close observation and data gaps across Africa.

He noted that strengthening observation systems would enable countries to unlock the full potential of AI in meteorology and improve the delivery of weather and climate information to end users.

The NiMet boss also outlined the agency’s roadmap for integrating AI into its operations, revealing that the agency inaugurated an AI Research Team in January 2026 to drive the identification, evaluation and deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

According to him, NiMet has since developed key implementation documents, including AI Terms of Reference, Standard Operating Procedures, an AI Operational Framework with phased milestones and documented AI use cases to support the responsible adoption of the technology.

He disclosed that the agency is currently evaluating leading AI-powered weather prediction models while developing the MeteoAI platform to improve weather forecasting, climate prediction, forecast verification and early warning services.

Anosike added that NiMet is also assessing cost-effective computing infrastructure to support the operational deployment of AI technologies.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and modern geospatial technologies to strengthen operational meteorology and advance the Early Warnings for All initiative across Africa, ensuring that farmers and vulnerable communities receive more timely, accurate and actionable weather and climate information.