Nigeria to Host First-Ever Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting in Africa

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigeria has been selected to host the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting, bringing together global leaders in weather, water and climate services for the first time on African soil.

The high-profile event, scheduled for October 13 to 15, 2026, will take place at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, following an invitation extended to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) by the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The meeting is expected to attract the leadership of the WMO, representatives of the Alliance’s 17 member institutions—including multilateral development banks, climate funds and United Nations agencies—as well as ministers, government officials, development partners, regional organisations, private sector players, academics and end-users of weather, water and climate services.

With the theme, “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services,” the conference will focus on strengthening global cooperation and mobilising investment to improve hydrometeorological services, which play a critical role in disaster risk reduction, food security, water resource management, aviation safety, energy planning, public health and climate adaptation.

Hosting the annual meeting marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, providing an opportunity to showcase African leadership in advancing resilient weather, water and climate systems while contributing to global efforts to tackle climate-related challenges.

As host nation, Nigeria will present its experience in strengthening meteorological and hydrological services through NiMet, highlighting the country’s efforts to coordinate investments and improve weather and climate information services in support of national development and disaster preparedness.

The three-day meeting will be organised around five strategic priorities: strengthening partnerships and Alliance coordination, mobilising sustainable investment, promoting innovation and public-private collaboration, delivering user-centred weather and climate services, and building sustainable hydrometeorological systems.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will serve as the Chief Host of the event.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the WMO, described the conference as a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of weather, water and climate services in driving socio-economic development.

“Nigeria is proud to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 and promote the critical relevance of weather, water and climate services for de-risking national, regional and global socio-economic activities,” Anosike said.

NiMet said additional information on the event will be released through its official communication channels in the coming weeks.