By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) are strengthening cooperation on weather forecasting, satellite technology and early warning systems to improve Nigeria’s capacity to prepare for multiple hazards.
The partnership engagement took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting, where both institutions identified priority areas for collaboration under the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative.
CMA Deputy Administrator, Mr Song Shanyun, commended NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, and congratulated the Nigerian Government on hosting the annual meeting.
Shanyun said China was ready to support efforts to strengthen meteorological services in Nigeria and other countries, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two institutions.
He outlined three priority areas: the joint development of the MAZU operational platform for Nigeria, expanded use of China’s Fengyun satellite technology for meteorological observation, and stronger capacity-building and institutional development.
Responding, Anosike thanked the Chinese Government and CMA for sending a six-member delegation to the meeting.
He called for the partnership to be formalised through a memorandum of understanding that reflects Nigeria’s socioeconomic priorities and practical meteorological needs.
AI Technology for Early Warnings
At the end of the engagement, CMA presented NiMet with two tablet devices equipped with the MAZU artificial intelligence agent for urban multi-hazard early warning.
According to the institutions, the devices will serve as dedicated terminals for delivering meteorological early-warning information.
The presentation represents an initial step in the proposed collaboration. The extent to which the technology improves warning delivery and public preparedness will depend on its implementation and integration into Nigeria’s existing meteorological systems.
Both Agencies Agree on Regular Communication
NiMet and CMA also agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism to coordinate joint development activities and maintain progress on their proposed areas of cooperation.
The partnership is expected to support efforts to improve meteorological observation, strengthen technical expertise and enhance the delivery of early-warning information.
Effective early-warning systems can help communities, emergency responders and relevant authorities prepare for weather-related and other hazards. However, their impact depends on reliable forecasts, timely communication and the ability of people at risk to understand and act on the information.
The proposed collaboration will therefore be important to watch as both institutions work towards translating their commitments into practical improvements for Nigeria.
Source: Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
