By Nkechi Eze
The Director General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Charles Anosike, has reiterated the agency’s dedication to strengthening partnerships that advance climate-smart agriculture and improved nutrition across the country. His remarks came at the close-out ceremony of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) Project, implemented by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based foundation established at the United Nations in 2002 to combat malnutrition and bolster food systems for vulnerable populations.
In his keynote address, Prof. Anosike commended GAIN and its partners for their unwavering commitment to enhancing food systems and tackling malnutrition, describing the SNIPS project as “a testament to what can be achieved when we unite expertise, resources and passion for a common goal.”
He highlighted the growing impact of climate variability on Nigeria’s agriculture, noting that erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and other climatic pressures continue to threaten crop yields and the nutritional quality of staples. He emphasized NiMet’s role in providing timely, accurate weather and climate information to enable farmers to make informed decisions on planting, harvesting, and crop protection. “This supports higher yields, reduces losses, and ensures that the staples reaching Nigerian households are both abundant and nutritious,” he stated.
Prof. Anosike further lauded the SNIPS project’s success in integrating nutrition-sensitive agriculture with climate-smart practices across Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Oyo States. He particularly appreciated GAIN’s focus on including women and young people, stressing that empowering these groups through training, decision-making roles, and access to livelihood opportunities is critical for building resilient and inclusive food systems.
He stressed that addressing food security and nutrition challenges requires sustained collaboration. NiMet, he noted, is prepared to deepen partnerships with GAIN, government agencies, and the private sector to expand early-warning systems, enhance farmer education, and foster innovation in climate-smart agriculture.
“As we celebrate the achievements of SNIPS, let us also look to the future. Your dedication is shaping a healthier, more food-secure Nigeria. NiMet stands ready to collaborate as we move forward together,” Prof. Anosike concluded.
