NiMet, AKADEMIYA2063 Seal AI Partnership To Strengthen Climate Resilience
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and AKADEMIYA2063 have disclosed their partnership to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions to improve climate services, agricultural planning and food security in Nigeria.
With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, both organisations has pledged to work together on climate and weather data analytics, climate information services and evidence-based research to address the growing challenges of climate change.
The Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, signed the agreement on behalf of the agency, while AKADEMIYA2063 was represented by its Managing Director, Dr. Debisi Araba, and Director of Data Intelligence and Governance as well as National Representative for Senegal, Dr. Racine Ly.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Anosike said the agreement aligns with NiMet’s drive to integrate emerging technologies into meteorological operations and service delivery.
He revealed that the agency had already established an Artificial Intelligence Research Team to explore the use of AI and machine learning in weather forecasting, climate services and operational processes.
“NiMet is positioning itself for the future by embracing artificial intelligence and digital innovation. We have already constituted an AI Research Team to explore the application of AI and machine learning in weather forecasting, climate services and operational efficiency. This partnership with AKADEMIYA2063 will further strengthen these efforts,” he said.
Anosike noted that leveraging AI would improve the accuracy of weather predictions and enhance the agency’s capacity to deliver timely climate information to critical sectors, particularly agriculture.
In his remarks, Dr. Araba described the partnership as a timely initiative that would strengthen Africa’s capacity to generate and utilise data for effective policymaking.
“This collaboration is an important step towards strengthening Africa’s capacity in data, analytics and evidence-based policymaking. Combining AKADEMIYA2063’s expertise with NiMet’s meteorological capabilities will deliver practical solutions for climate resilience, food security and sustainable development,” Araba said.
As part of the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate on applying AI to climate monitoring, seasonal forecasting, early warning systems and evidence-based decision-making to improve climate services and agricultural productivity.
They also agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee that will work with NiMet’s AI Research Team to identify priority projects, coordinate activities under the MoU and develop innovative programmes that support climate resilience, sustainable development and national food security.
