Nigeria has secured a significant commitment from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to enhance its technical and meteorological capacity, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s response to climate challenges.
The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Keyamo disclosed that the agreement was reached during a meeting with WMO Deputy Secretary General, Ms. K.O. Barrett, at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. He shared details of the meeting, noting the WMO’s pledge to provide technical assistance to Nigeria, recognizing it as one of its Peer Advisors. In his words, “I had a fruitful session with the Deputy Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organisation…where we secured a commitment from the world body for more technical assistance to Nigeria as one of its Peer Advisors.”
The support from the WMO is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to monitor, predict, and mitigate the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. This includes providing access to advanced meteorological tools, specialized training for local experts, and bolstering Nigeria’s ability to manage climate-related risks effectively. As a designated Peer Advisor, Nigeria will play a key role in guiding and supporting other member states in strengthening their climate and meteorological systems, fostering a global exchange of knowledge and resources.
The World Meteorological Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1950, has been instrumental in addressing global climate challenges through technical expertise and capacity-building. Its collaboration with Nigeria is seen as a milestone in the country’s growing involvement in international climate initiatives. Beyond climate management, the enhanced meteorological services are expected to benefit Nigeria’s aviation sector, improving flight safety, optimizing operations, and solidifying its position as a regional aviation hub.
This partnership between Nigeria and the WMO is anticipated to bring transformative improvements to the country’s climate resilience and operational efficiency, offering a stronger foundation to protect communities and drive sustainable development.
