By Nkechi Eze
In a determined stride towards deepening Nigeria’s climate resilience and improving data-driven decision-making, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has successfully concluded a week-long capacity-building workshop in Abuja ahead of the national launch of the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) initiative.
The training, which took place from July 28 to August 1, 2025, at NiMet’s Headquarters, brought together key stakeholders from the agriculture, health, and academic sectors for intensive sessions on the use of NiMet’s Maproom platform, an innovative, interactive tool that allows users seamless access to vital climate data. The workshop served as a foundational phase in operationalising the ENACTS initiative, which is set to officially launch later this month.
Declaring the training closed, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, described the exercise as a critical milestone in the country’s journey towards making climate information more accessible, actionable, and integrated into national planning and development strategies. He praised participants for their enthusiasm and commitment, stressing that Nigeria’s preparedness for climate variability depends heavily on the ability of professionals across sectors to interpret and apply meteorological data.
“This workshop has created a network of empowered individuals equipped with the skills and tools to utilize climate information for smart, timely decisions,” Professor Anosike stated. “Our goal is to ensure that early warning is matched with early action.”
The Maproom tool, central to the workshop, enables real-time access to meteorological data, supporting improved coordination and understanding of weather patterns. With applications ranging from early warning systems to sustainable agriculture, public health interventions, and disaster risk management, the tool embodies a critical link between scientific data and life-saving policy responses.
Professor Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s unwavering commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and relevant climate services tailored to support Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation. He also lauded the project’s implementing partners Sahel Consulting, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their vital support and collaboration in pushing the ENACTS vision forward.
The training marks a significant step in the build-up to the ENACTS national launch, scheduled to hold from August 19 to 20, 2025, in Abuja. The two-day event will feature a high-level unveiling ceremony, technical breakout sessions, and presentations of key achievements to date, as well as a roadmap for implementation and sectoral integration.
ENACTS represents a paradigm shift in climate service delivery, emphasising locally relevant, user-driven, and policy-aligned climate information. It seeks to equip institutions and communities with the tools they need to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate risks, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals and climate adaptation strategies.
