By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) will host the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting from October 13 to 15 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, marking the first time the global event will be held on African soil.
The meeting, hosted at the invitation of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General, is expected to bring together the leadership of the WMO, 17 member institutions of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, ministers, government officials, development partners, regional and continental organisations, development banks, climate funds, United Nations agencies, academia, private sector representatives, and users of weather, water and climate services.
With the theme, “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services,” the three-day event will focus on strengthening hydrometeorological systems and mobilizing investments to improve weather, water and climate services globally.
According to NiMet, the meeting will provide a platform to showcase Africa’s leadership in advancing hydrometeorological services while addressing global priorities such as disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resources management, sustainable aviation, energy efficiency, public health, community resilience and climate adaptation.
As host nation, Nigeria will present its experience in strengthening meteorological and hydrological services through NiMet, highlighting efforts to coordinate investments and improve service delivery while reducing the financial burden on the government in hydrometeorology.
The annual meeting will be organized around five strategic pillars: strengthening partnerships and Alliance coordination, mobilizing sustainable investment, promoting innovation and public-private engagement, delivering user-centred services, and building sustainable hydrometeorological systems.
The organizers said the event is expected to deepen collaboration among stakeholders, attract sustainable financing, encourage innovation, and enhance the long-term resilience of weather, water and climate services.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will serve as Chief Host of the meeting.
Speaking ahead of the event, Charles Anosike, Director-General of NiMet and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organization, said hosting the annual meeting underscores Nigeria’s commitment to promoting the critical role of weather, water and climate services in reducing risks to national, regional and global socio-economic activities.
NiMet said further details about the event will be released through its official communication channels.
