By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) are strengthening ties to combat the growing effects of climate change on water resources management and river basin hydrology.
Speaking while receiving the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AIRBDA, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka, at the NiMet headquarters, 27th June, in Abuja, the Director General/CEO of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, highlighted the profound impact of climate change on rainfall patterns and temperature. “These changes can significantly alter the hydrology of river basins, resulting in increased frequency and intensity of floods or droughts, which threaten livelihoods, critical infrastructure, and food security,” he noted.
Professor Anosike emphasized that meteorology and river basins are inherently interconnected. “Meteorological elements such as rainfall and temperature directly influence a basin’s hydrological behavior, while the physical characteristics of river basins can, in turn, shape local weather and climate patterns,” he explained.
He pointed to NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) as a critical tool for early warning and planning. “Our flagship SCP provides vital information that, if effectively utilized, can help policymakers anticipate and respond to weather extremes, especially flood disasters,” he said, calling for enhanced collaboration between the two agencies in support of agricultural planning and integrated water resource management.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka expressed appreciation for the warm reception by the NiMet team and emphasized AIRBDA’s interest in strengthening technical cooperation with the agency. He acknowledged the importance of NiMet’s data and services in enhancing irrigation activities and managing dam infrastructure amid changing climatic realities.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation, sharing expertise, and collaborating to build resilience, promote food security, and support sustainable development across the southeastern corridor of Nigeria.