By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has participated in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council Side Event on “Scaling AI-Powered Weather Services for Farmers” held at the WMO Headquarters.
The event brought together global leaders, meteorological experts and development partners to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance weather forecasting, strengthen climate services for agriculture and improve food security through innovative partnerships.
Speaking during the session, Prof. Anosike, who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the WMO, emphasized that effective AI-driven weather forecasting depends on the availability of high-quality observational data. He stressed the need to address observation and data gaps across Africa, noting that investments in observation systems are critical to unlocking the full potential of AI in meteorology.
The NiMet DG also highlighted the agency’s strategic efforts to integrate AI into its operations. He disclosed that NiMet inaugurated an AI Research Team in January 2026 to drive the identification, evaluation and operational deployment of AI and machine learning technologies.
According to him, the agency has since developed AI Terms of Reference (TOR), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), an AI Operational Framework with phased implementation milestones, and documented AI use cases to guide deployment across its operations.
Prof. Anosike further revealed that NiMet is currently evaluating leading AI-powered weather prediction models and developing the MeteoAI platform to improve weather forecasting, climate prediction, forecast verification and early warning services. The agency is also assessing cost-effective computing infrastructure required to support operational AI deployment.
Reaffirming NiMet’s commitment to innovation, the Director-General said the agency will continue to leverage AI and modern geospatial technologies to strengthen operational meteorology and advance the Early Warnings for All initiative across Africa.
He noted that these efforts are aimed at ensuring farmers and vulnerable communities have access to more timely, accurate and actionable weather and climate information, thereby enhancing resilience and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
