The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) hosted the second roundtable meeting on the “Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria” yesterday, aiming to develop a unified approach to addressing humanitarian emergencies.
This meeting followed up on the November 2024 discussions led by the Office of the Vice President, in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
During the event, the Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike emphasized the critical role of the Nigerian government in responding to emergencies caused by climate change, extreme weather events, conflicts, and natural disasters.
He underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring effective anticipatory actions for disaster preparedness.
“NiMet, with its skilled personnel and cutting-edge technology, offers timely and actionable weather forecasts that allow us to anticipate severe weather events,” said Anosike.
“These forecasts enable authorities and communities to take necessary steps such as evacuations and resource mobilization, ultimately ensuring better safety for vulnerable populations.”
Trond Jensen, Head of Office for UNOCHA in Nigeria, highlighted the changing dynamics of climate change and demographics, stressing that prevention is better than cure when addressing vulnerability. He noted the need for collective efforts in ensuring preparedness for natural disasters.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Arch. Umar Mohammed echoed the need for actionable plans to mitigate climate impacts and address emerging challenges.
The Special Adviser on Humanitarian and Development Partners to the President, Inna Audu reassured attendees that Vice President Kashim Shettima is committed to mitigating the effects of disasters on Nigerian communities.
Fred Anusim, representing NEMA’s Director-General, also voiced strong support for anticipatory actions, emphasizing its importance in disaster management policies.
The roundtable gathered key stakeholders from various agencies, including the Office of the Vice President, NiMet, NIHSA, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), with the aim of creating a robust and coordinated framework for disaster response and preparedness in Nigeria.
