By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria is set to host the world’s leading weather, water and climate experts and decision-makers as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) hosts the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 in Lagos.
The high-level meeting, scheduled for October 13–15, 2026, will take place at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, following an invitation from the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The event marks the first time the Alliance’s Annual Meeting will be held on African soil, bringing together global and African leaders to deliberate on investment, innovation and the future of weather, water and climate services.
The meeting will attract the leadership of the WMO, representatives of the Alliance’s 17 member institutions, including major development banks, climate funds and United Nations agencies, as well as ministers, government leaders, development partners, regional and continental organisations, financial institutions, private sector operators, academics and users of hydrometeorological services.
The three-day gathering will be held under the theme: “Partnerships, Innovation and Sustainable Investment in Weather, Water and Climate Services.”
According to NiMet, the meeting will provide a platform for Africa to demonstrate leadership while advancing global efforts to strengthen hydrometeorological services critical to disaster risk reduction, food and nutrition security, water resources management, sustainable aviation, efficient energy planning, public health, community resilience and climate adaptation.
As host, Nigeria, through NiMet, will showcase its experience in strengthening meteorological services and coordinating investments in the sector, while demonstrating how effective partnerships can support national development and reduce pressure on government budgetary provisions for hydrometeorological services.
The meeting will focus on 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.
The organisers said the gathering is expected to deepen international partnerships, mobilise sustainable financing, accelerate innovation and strengthen private-sector participation in the delivery of weather, water and climate services.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will serve as Chief Host.
The Director-General of NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the WMO, Professor Charles Anosike, said Nigeria was proud to host the landmark gathering and highlight the importance of weather, water and climate services in reducing risks associated with socioeconomic activities.
“Nigeria is proud to host the Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting 2026 and promote the critical relevance of Weather, Water and Climate services for de-risking national, regional and global socioeconomic activities,” Anosike said.
NiMet said further information on the meeting would be made available through its official communication channels.
