By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria is set to host global leaders in weather, water and climate services as the Alliance for Hydromet Development holds its 2026 Annual Meeting in Lagos from October 13 to 15.
The meeting, to be hosted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) at Eko Hotels & Suites, follows an invitation extended by the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The three-day high-level meeting is expected to bring together the leadership of the WMO, representatives of the 17 other member institutions of the Alliance for Hydromet Development, development banks, climate funds and United Nations agencies.
Ministers and government officials, development partners, regional and continental organisations, representatives of the finance and private sectors, academics and users of weather, water and climate services are also expected to participate.
First Alliance Meeting to Be Held in Africa
The 2026 meeting will mark the first time the Alliance for Hydromet Development’s annual gathering is hosted on African soil.
Held under the theme, “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services,” the meeting will focus on strengthening investment and partnerships needed to improve hydrometeorological services globally, with particular attention to Africa.
Hydrometeorological services play an important role in disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resources management, aviation, energy planning, public health, climate adaptation and community resilience.
The Lagos meeting is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for African countries to highlight their priorities while contributing to global discussions on strengthening weather, water and climate information systems.
Nigeria to Showcase Hydromet Leadership
As host, Nigeria, through NiMet, is expected to showcase its experience in strengthening meteorological services and coordinating investments aimed at improving access to weather and climate information.
The agency said the meeting would also provide an opportunity to demonstrate how stronger partnerships and investment can support the sustainability of hydrometeorological services while helping reduce pressure on government budgets.
The programme will be organised around five strategic pillars: strengthening partnerships and Alliance coordination; mobilising sustainable investment; promoting innovation and public-private engagement; delivering value through user-centred services; and building sustainable hydrometeorological services.
Discussions under the pillars are expected to focus on mobilising investment, expanding innovation, strengthening public-private partnerships and improving the long-term delivery of weather, water and climate services.
NiMet Highlights Economic Importance
The Director-General of NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the WMO, Professor Charles Anosike, said Nigeria was proud to host the meeting and use the opportunity to highlight the importance of weather, water and climate services to economic planning.
According to Anosike, stronger climate and weather services can help reduce risks associated with socioeconomic activities at national, regional and global levels.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is expected to serve as the Chief Host.
NiMet said further information about the meeting would be made available through its official communication channels.
