NiMet and AATF Meeting: A Shift Towards Proactive Flood Preparedness in Nigeria
Professor Charles Anosike of NiMet attended the AATF meeting focused on transitioning Nigeria’s flood response from reactive to proactive measures, aligning with global frameworks. Vice President Shettima highlighted the need for urgent action to mitigate flooding impacts. Anosike emphasized NiMet’s role in providing forecasts to enhance disaster preparedness and outlined key areas for improved forecasting capabilities.
On March 18, 2025, Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), attended the Anticipatory Action Task Force on Floods (AATF) meeting. This event was hosted by Vice President Kashim Shettima and emphasized transitioning Nigeria from reactive disaster management to proactive flood preparedness.
The AATF meeting aligns with global initiatives, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. These frameworks underscore the importance of anticipatory measures to mitigate natural disasters’ effects and protect vulnerable populations.
During the discussions, AATF members briefed the Vice President on their agencies’ preparedness and ongoing efforts to combat flooding in Nigeria. Vice President Shettima raised concerns regarding the escalating human and economic impacts of floods and advocated for urgent, proactive measures to safeguard lives, emphasizing the significance of leveraging science, technology, and collaborative efforts.
Professor Anosike praised the Vice President’s leadership in promoting anticipatory action and highlighted its importance in enhancing disaster preparedness. He elaborated on NiMet’s role in providing impact-based forecasts that facilitate early warning for severe weather events, ultimately improving response times.
Additionally, Professor Anosike identified several key focus areas for NiMet’s forecasting improvements. These include enhancing weather models, investing in forecasting technologies, expanding observational networks, improving in-situ data collection, and utilizing machine learning techniques to enhance prediction accuracy.
The AATF meeting marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to flood management, promoting proactive measures over reactive disaster responses. By integrating improved forecasting technologies and enhancing collaboration among various agencies, Nigeria aims to better prepare for future floods. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of science and technology in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
