NiMet Pushes for Increased Funding to Strengthen Weather Disaster Preparedness

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has renewed calls for greater funding support from the Federal Government and development partners to enhance its capacity to predict and mitigate weather-related disasters across the country. The agency warned that insufficient resources threaten its ability to provide timely forecasts, early warnings, and climate services critical to safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure.

Officials of NiMet explained that Nigeria is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as flooding, heat waves, droughts, and storms, all of which have intensified due to climate change. In recent years, the country has experienced devastating flooding that displaced thousands of families, destroyed farmlands, and eroded infrastructure in several states. The 2022 floods, for instance, affected more than 30 states and left an economic toll running into billions of naira. Experts warn that unless Nigeria strengthens its forecasting and preparedness systems, such disasters could become more frequent and severe.

NiMet plays a pivotal role in disaster risk reduction by issuing Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) reports, daily forecasts, and warnings that guide the activities of farmers, aviation operators, construction firms, health officials, and emergency agencies. However, the agency insists that the growing complexity of climate events requires more advanced technology, wider coverage of observation stations, and continuous training of personnel—all of which depend on adequate funding.

The Director-General of NiMet noted that while the agency has made commendable progress in expanding its network of weather stations and developing localized forecast tools, the pace of investment has not kept up with rising challenges. He explained that many rural areas still lack real-time meteorological monitoring systems, limiting the accuracy and timeliness of warnings. This gap increases the risk of communities being caught off guard when disasters strike.

To bridge these shortcomings, NiMet is advocating for a dedicated funding mechanism that guarantees regular upgrades of equipment, installation of modern radar systems, and expansion of hydrometeorological stations across all states. The agency also emphasized the need for more collaboration with state governments and private sector partners in building climate-resilient infrastructure.

Agriculture, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy, is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate variability. Farmers rely heavily on NiMet’s predictions to decide when to plant, irrigate, or harvest. Inconsistent funding for the agency directly undermines food security, as inaccurate or delayed forecasts can lead to poor yields, losses, and higher food prices. By strengthening NiMet’s capacity, officials argue, the country can boost agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on food imports.

The aviation sector also depends critically on NiMet’s data for safe flight operations. Pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers rely on real-time weather updates to avoid turbulence, storms, and visibility issues. Inadequate forecasting infrastructure could compromise flight safety and cause significant economic losses through delays and cancellations. Similarly, construction projects, maritime operations, and energy production all require accurate climate and weather data to function effectively.

International development agencies have repeatedly highlighted the importance of investing in early warning systems as a cost-effective way to prevent disasters. According to the United Nations, every dollar spent on preparedness and early warning saves up to seven dollars in avoided disaster losses. For a country like Nigeria, where flooding and erosion have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and displaced millions in recent years, scaling up NiMet’s funding could avert future crises and reduce recovery costs.

NiMet has also been collaborating with global institutions such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to align with international standards in climate services. However, officials stress that Nigeria must take ownership of strengthening its systems rather than relying solely on external aid. They argue that adequate domestic funding will not only boost NiMet’s credibility but also allow it to tailor solutions to local realities.

The agency further noted that with climate change accelerating, extreme weather events will continue to test Nigeria’s resilience. Proactive investment in NiMet’s capabilities could mean the difference between coordinated national responses and unprepared communities facing avoidable devastation.

Stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and civil society groups, have echoed the agency’s call, stressing that disaster preparedness should be prioritized in budgetary allocations. They argue that prevention through forecasting is far less expensive than post-disaster relief and reconstruction. By equipping NiMet with modern infrastructure and skilled personnel, Nigeria can not only save lives but also protect its economy from shocks associated with weather disasters.

For many Nigerians, especially farmers and residents of flood-prone communities, the urgency is clear. Seasonal forecasts are not just numbers on a chart—they determine planting cycles, business decisions, and family safety. Strengthening NiMet, therefore, is not a matter of convenience but a necessity for national survival in an era of climate uncertainty.

The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate and timely forecasts but stressed that only sustained funding will enable it to deliver on this mandate effectively. As Nigeria braces for another cycle of rainy and dry seasons, NiMet insists that proactive investments today will determine how well the nation weathers the storms of tomorrow.