By Adam Said Adam, Kano
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) have strengthened their collaboration to improve earth observation systems aimed at enhancing climate services and supporting sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, to the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
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Both agencies подчеркнули the importance of integrating meteorological and space-based data to deliver accurate and timely information critical for farmers, disaster risk management, and environmental planning.
Prof. Anosike noted that improved weather and climate observations are essential for safeguarding lives and property, while also enabling climate-smart agricultural practices that strengthen community resilience. He added that NiMet is prioritising the adoption of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance its service delivery to key sectors such as agriculture.
On his part, Dr. Adepoju called for deeper collaboration, including the development of a meteorological satellite to improve Nigeria’s capacity in weather and climate monitoring. He said such a move would position the country as a leader in space-based weather observation in Africa.
Other proposed areas of cooperation include providing meteorological support for emerging technologies such as hot-air balloons, as well as joint training and capacity-building initiatives to develop critical skills in earth observation.
The two agencies also emphasised the need for stronger private sector participation in expanding earth observation infrastructure. They agreed to review and update their existing memorandum of understanding to ensure a more practical and results-driven partnership.
The strengthened alliance is expected to play a vital role in improving climate information services, boosting agricultural productivity, and supporting Nigeria’s broader goals on environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
