CHUKS OKOH
Commending the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for positioning Nigeria as a pioneer on the continent, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, declared open the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Alliance for Hydromet Development in Lagos, expressing immense pride in the country becoming the first African nation to host the prestigious global gathering.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Keyamo extended appreciation to the members of the Alliance and the leadership of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), led by its President, Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, alongside delegates, cabinet ministers, financial institutions, private sector leaders, and international partners,
Keyamo emphasized that climate hazards, water-related risks, and environmental degradation transcend institutional and national borders, demanding a unified response aligned with this year’s theme of partnerships, innovation, and sustainable investment.
The Minister underscored the vital, life-saving role of meteorological data in modern economic planning, placing emphasis on aviation and agriculture.
Addressing participants, he noted that accurate weather forecasting is a matter of life and death in civil aviation, directly impacting flight safety, schedule precision, and daily movement.
He urged stakeholders to view hydrometeorological services not as routine administrative tasks, but as indispensable national infrastructure vital to preserving economic gains.
Highlighting government interventions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Keyamo praised the leadership of NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike.
He confirmed the implementation of an upgraded welfare package for NiMet staff to boost operational efficiency and commended the agency’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030), which drives institutional strengthening, digital transformation, and professional excellence across climate-sensitive sectors.
Keyamo further outlined Nigeria’s shifting focus toward anticipatory climate action rather than reactive disaster management. He cited key policy milestones, including the launch of the Anticipatory Action Framework, the establishment of the Anticipatory Action Task Force on Floods, and the approval of 83.2 billion Naira by the National Economic Council in June 2026 to mitigate climate risks.
To support these efforts, Nigeria is mobilizing funding through initiatives like the $500 million Nigerian Climate Investment Platform, green bonds, carbon market mechanisms, and direct access accreditation for the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority via the Green Climate Fund.
Minister called for enhanced public-private partnerships across data analytics, technology, telecommunications, and insurance, stressing that every single dollar invested in early warning systems yields up to fifteen dollars in saved investments and protected lives.
Officially declaring the meeting open on behalf of the Federal Government, Keyamo expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would build lasting global partnerships and unlock innovative finance for climate resilience across Africa and the developing world.
