NiMet DG seeks Climate-Smart PPP to fashion risks into agro infrastructure devt

Charles Anosike, director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has called for climate-smart public-private partnerships (PPP) to integrate climate risks into agricultural infrastructure projects.

Anosike, who is also Nigeria’s permanent representative with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), spoke on Monday in Abuja at the Best Practice Workshop on Public-Private Partnership for Climate Information Services and the validation of the Climate-Smart Agribusiness Partnership for Resilience (CSAPR) programme.

Commending the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the federal ministry of agriculture and food security for convening the workshop, he said climate data must be embedded in project design to ensure sustainability.

“Climate Smart Public Private Partnership (PPP) is critical in this era of Climate Change to enable integration of climate related risks into agro infrastructure development.

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“This can be achieved by embedding climate data and adaptation, mitigation measures into project design to ensure long term stability,” he said.

Anosike acknowledged IFAD’s collaboration with NiMet through projects such as LIFE-ND, VCDP, and SAPZ, and praised Dede Ekoue, IFAD country director, for sustaining the partnership.

He also highlighted NiMet’s recent launch of the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) Maproom, a digital tool that provides real-time weather forecasts, historical climate data, and tailored advisories.

“The Maproom provides real-time weather forecasts, historical climate data and tailored advisories to support farmers in making informed decisions about planting and harvesting, thereby promoting resilience and productivity.

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”I encourage you all to explore the NiMet Maproom by visiting the NiMet website and share your valuable feedback,” he said.

On the workshop’s objectives, Anosike said NiMet is engaging with private sector actors to develop sustainable digital climate advisory services for smallholder farmers.

“These efforts are designed to deliver timely and accurate climate information, enabling small holder farmers to make informed decisions that improve crop yields, protect their livelihoods, and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change,” he said.

In her remarks, Ekoue applauded NiMet’s leadership in climate services.

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“NiMet’s work in generating and disseminating climate data and forecasts, NiMet has been at the forefront of safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening national resilience.

“The Agency’s role in forging stronger linkages between science, policy, and practice is indispensable.

“Going forward, deeper partnerships with the private sector and development actors will be critical in ensuring that climate information is not only generated but also translated into accessible, affordable, and actionable services for millions of smallholder farmers,” she said.