In a decisive move to enhance disaster preparedness and mitigate climate change effects, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), participated in the 2nd Roundtable Meeting on the Anticipatory Action Framework. The meeting, organized by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), focused on establishing a unified framework to address climate-related challenges in Nigeria.
This roundtable builds upon the November 2024 initiative led by Vice President Kashim Shettima in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The ongoing effort highlights Nigeria’s commitment to reducing the devastating impacts of extreme weather events and natural disasters.
In his opening remarks, NiMet Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasized the vital role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addressing humanitarian crises caused by conflicts, disasters, and climate extremes. Prof. Anosike stated, "At NiMet, we provide timely, actionable weather forecasts and climate predictions, enabling authorities and communities to anticipate severe weather events and act early." He underlined the importance of inter-agency cooperation to achieve collective success.
Trond Jensen, Head of UNOCHA Nigeria, stressed the value of anticipatory action in saving lives and resources. "Prevention is always better than cure," he said, noting that proactive measures not only alleviate human suffering but also reduce economic losses.
NIHSA's Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcomes, noting its potential to generate actionable solutions for climate resilience and disaster preparedness. His sentiments were echoed by NEMA’s representative, Fred Anusim, who emphasized integrating anticipatory action into national disaster management strategies.
Inna Audu, Special Adviser on Humanitarian and Development Partners to the President, reaffirmed Vice President Shettima’s commitment to addressing the daily and seasonal impacts of climate-induced challenges on vulnerable Nigerians.
The roundtable brought together key stakeholders from NiMet, NIHSA, NEMA, the Office of the Vice President, and international partners, reflecting a unified approach to combating climate change. With a focus on collaboration, early warning systems, and strategic planning, Nigeria is taking significant steps to safeguard its communities and infrastructure against the growing threats posed by climate disasters.
Tags
News