By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has emphasized that the increasing challenges of climate change and growing populations make it imperative to integrate meteorological data into urban transformation efforts to ensure adequate preparedness for climate disasters.
Speaking at the Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit, held on April 29, 2025, organized by Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Prof. Anosike highlighted the collective responsibility to reshape Abuja into resilient, eco-friendly spaces that safeguard the well-being of future generations.
He explained that sustainable urban transformation involves making deliberate changes to cities to improve their environmental, social, and economic aspects of development. Prof. Anosike stressed that climate-smart practices and social inclusion must be prioritized in Abuja’s transformation, and a systemic approach is necessary to understand how different drivers of hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and their dynamic root causes combine to exacerbate the impact of climate disasters.
“In the efforts to transform Abuja, climate-smart practices and social inclusion must be prioritized. We must embrace a systemic approach to help improve our understanding of how different drivers of hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and their dynamic root causes combine to exacerbate the impact of climate disasters”, Prof. Anosike remarked.
The NiMet DG also reminded the audience that his agency offers essential services that advance sustainability, productivity, and effective environmental management.
He noted that NiMet’s weather forecasts, climate services, and seasonal climate predictions enable environmental managers to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and adapt to changing climate conditions. Ultimately, Prof. Anosike concluded that sustainable urban transformation and meteorology are intrinsically linked, and understanding and addressing the impacts of meteorological conditions on sustainability efforts is crucial for creating resilient and sustainable urban environments.
