In a decisive step toward building climate resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA). The partnership is designed to improve access to timely and accurate weather and climate information for smallholder farmers across the country.
The agreement, which was formalized in Abuja, will enhance early warning systems, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and ultimately strengthen the national response to the growing threat of climate change. By leveraging HEDA’s grassroots reach and NiMet’s technical expertise, the initiative aims to ensure that vital climate data gets into the hands of those who need it most—rural farmers whose livelihoods are increasingly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns.
Speaking at the event, NiMet Director-General and CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling the climate crisis. “This partnership with HEDA aligns with our strategic vision to democratize access to climate information. Smallholder farmers form the backbone of Nigeria’s food system, and equipping them with the tools to make climate-informed decisions is essential for food security and sustainable development,” he said.
Also speaking, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, expressed optimism about the MoU’s potential impact. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a daily reality for millions of Nigerians. With this partnership, we can bridge the information gap and help farmers become more proactive, rather than reactive, to climatic shifts,” he noted.
The partnership will include training programs, the development of localized forecast tools, and the use of community radio and digital platforms to disseminate information in local languages. Experts believe this could significantly reduce the losses farmers incur due to floods, droughts, and unpredictable weather.
As Nigeria continues to battle the effects of climate change, collaborations like this between public agencies and civil society organizations are seen as critical in safeguarding livelihoods, reducing poverty, and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.