The Economic Community of West Africa States ECOWAS, the World Meterological Organization and the Federal Government have committed to strengthening hydrological services to combat the increasing threat causes by climate change in the west Africa subregion.
The commitment was given at the ongoing three-day 14th Meeting of the Committee of Directors of National Meteorological Hydrological Services (NMHSs) which began on Tuesday in Abuja to share updates on NMHSs progress, discuss emerging issues, and proffer solutions to challenges facing the subregion.
The Federal Government reiterated the importance of timely release of climate and hydrological information saying it is vital to national and the west Africa regional development.
The Federal Government through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo while declaring the Meeting open, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration, emphazing that the need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.
“The WMO State of the Climate Report for 2023 stated that on average, climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose 2%–5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually, with many diverting up to 9% of their budgets to respond to climate extremes. Specifically in West Africa, rainfall deficits in Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.
“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.
In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.
“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target.
“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. How Ready is ECOWAS? This is one of the questions that we must answer at this meeting.
“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others,” he said.
In her speech, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse noted that West Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to the impact of climate change, yet one of the least equipped with the data, infrastructure, and systems required for effective climate resilience.
She noted that recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network show that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47% increase in floods-related incidents affecting over 5 million people, with damage estimated at over 1.3 billion U.S. dollars.
“Moreover, a recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruption reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10% in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressure.
“This situation will be worse if nothing is done in terms of mitigation.
Our population, particularly those who live in rural areas, need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt. The accessibility to data and information is also a critical issue that was emphasized by the African ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.
*Consequently, the importance of generating climate forecasts, information from meteorological and hydrological directorates, and their transfer to relevant national development agencies, including aviation agencies, agricultural agencies, and the dissemination of data and information toward rural and urban populations are critical.
“This underscores the urgent need to enhance hydrological and meteorological capacities that are now referred to collectively as hydro meterological services,” she said through a representative, Mr. yao Bernard Koffi
The Director, WMO Office for Africa, Dr Agnes Kijazi in his Goodwill Message said during the past 75 years, the WMO community provided scientific evidence, information and services which have shaped decision making to safeguard and promote public well-being, and to make the world safer, more secure, and prosperous.
*WMO acknowledges the challenges faced by Members in the ECOWAS region which are putting pressure on resources and increasing the complexity of competing needs and priorities. It is in this regard that WMO and partners initiated ongoing interventions such as the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), the Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS), and the Early Warnings for All initiative which provide support to some Members.
“I would like to let you know that WMO reaffirmed its commitment to work with all national meteorological and hydrological services to ensure a more climate resilient West Africa,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Nigerian Meterorogical Agency, Nimet, Prof. Charles Anosikewho stressed the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service, expressed
NiMet commitment to regional cooperation and advancing the cause of meteorology
resources in pursuit of a more resilient and climate-smart West Africa.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to regional cooperation and advancing the course of meteorology and hydrology within ECOWAS. We are ready to share our experiences, expertise, and resources in pursuit of a more resilient and climate-smart West Africa” he said.
President of the Committee of Directors of Meteorology in the ECOWAS region, Mr. Arthur Gar-Glahn who thanked ECOWAS and WMO for organizing the meeting lamented that the region is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change which affects the lives and socio-economic development of over 100 million people annually.
“Strengthening the capacity of National Meteorological and Hydroelectric Services is critical to enhancing resilience, early warnings, disaster risk management and regional cooperation to build climate resilient societies and to ensure no member is left behind,” he said.