Anosike: NiMet Ready to Deepen Climate–Nutrition Partnerships After SNIPS Success

By Iyojo Ameh

The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Charles Anosike, has restated the Agency’s commitment to partnerships that strengthen climate-smart agriculture and improve nutrition outcomes across Nigeria.

He made the remarks at the close-out ceremony of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) Project, implemented by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)—a Swiss-based foundation established at the United Nations in 2002 to tackle malnutrition and support vulnerable food systems—alongside development partners.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Anosike commended GAIN and its collaborators for their dedication to advancing food systems and combating malnutrition. He described the SNIPS initiative as “a testament to what can be achieved when we unite expertise, resources and passion for a common goal.”

He expressed concern about the rising impact of climate variability on Nigeria’s food production landscape, noting that erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells and other climate-related pressures continue to undermine crop yields and nutrient quality. Prof. Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s mandate to provide accurate, actionable weather and climate information to guide farmers on planting, harvesting and crop protection.

“This supports higher yields, reduces losses and ensures that the staples reaching Nigerian households are both abundant and nutritious,” he said.

The DG highlighted the achievements of the SNIPS project, particularly its success in linking nutrition-sensitive agriculture with climate-smart practices in Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Oyo States. He commended GAIN for ensuring strong involvement of women and young people, noting that their empowerment through training, leadership roles and access to livelihoods is critical for building resilient and inclusive food systems.

Prof. Anosike emphasized that addressing food security and nutrition challenges demands sustained collaboration. He reaffirmed NiMet’s readiness to deepen partnerships with GAIN, government institutions and private-sector actors to scale up early-warning systems, enhance farmer education and encourage innovation in climate-smart agricultural practices.

“As we celebrate the achievements of SNIPS, let us also look to the future. Your dedication is shaping a healthier, more food-secure Nigeria. NiMet stands ready to collaborate as we move forward together,” he concluded.