Mokwa Flood: World Bank, NiMet forge strategic partnership to mitigate disaster, risk management in Nigeria
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has hosted a delegation from the World Bank as part of an ongoing high-level mission focused on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Nigeria.
The visit, led by Mr Francis Samson Nkoka, Senior Disaster Risk Management specialist at the World Bank, seeks to strengthen technical collaboration with Nigerian institutions to bolster national resilience against climate and weather-related hazards.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Charles Anosike, NiMet DG/CEO and permanent representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stressed that strengthening climate advisory services requires a multifaceted approach focused on improving the accuracy and timeliness of information, tailoring services to local needs, and enhancing stakeholder collaboration.
He further stressed that leveraging technology, securing financial support, and investing in training are all essential components of building a resilient system.
The World Bank delegations were, Mr Oscar Ishizawa, Lead Specialist in Disaster Risk Management; Ms. Mary Elinor Boyer, Senior Specialist in Disaster Risk Management; Ms. Nathalie Andrea Wandel, Specialist in Disaster Risk Management; and Mr. Christopher Cameron Hann, a consultant in hydrometeorology.
The visit built upon earlier meetings held in January 2025 between the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria, and it focused on establishing integrated frameworks for climate risk management and emergency preparedness.
The delegations was taken round the NiMet’s facilities, latest cutting-edge technologies in generating accurate weather forecasts and climate advisories was observed.
Satisfy with the NiMet, the World Bank delegation commended NiMet’s efforts in using cutting – edge technologies for its infrastructure and delivering timely, science-based climate services that contribute to national development goals.
The meeting reflects a shared commitment between NiMet and the World Bank to increase Algeria’s resilience to climate change through innovation, strategic investment, and sustained institutional partnerships.
