HEDA Resource Centre

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Participates in NiMet Stakeholders’ Forum on Climate Risks

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) joined stakeholders at the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Stakeholders’ Forum held on the 10th and 11th of September 2025 at the Admiralty Conference and Event Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day forum, themed “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action,” brought together government agencies, civil society groups, private sector actors, and development partners to discuss strategies for building a climate-resilient Nigeria through improved weather and climate information services. HEDA, a long-standing partner of NiMet, was officially invited to the event and represented by Mr. Shobo Mayowa, Project Manager for EJSD, and Mr. Sakariyah Shakiru, Agriculture and Food Security Program Officer. In his keynote address, NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasized that climate observations and data dissemination must go beyond reporting to trigger meaningful action. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in co-creating solutions and ensuring that early warnings are translated into life-saving responses, particularly in vulnerable communities. Prof. Anosike also appealed for consistent investment in sustaining accurate and timely weather forecasts, reaffirming NiMet’s commitment to supporting food security, disaster risk reduction, and climate-smart development despite financial constraints. The forum ended with strengthened commitments from stakeholders to work more closely with NiMet in the dissemination of early warnings. Participants also endorsed deeper partnerships across government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities to build a climate-resilient economy, while supporting NiMet’s cost-recovery initiative for sustainable service delivery. For its part, HEDA Resource Centre reaffirmed its dedication to integrating climate information into its community-based projects and farmer education programs, ensuring that local communities are better informed and prepared to respond to climate risks. Through its participation, HEDA continues to demonstrate leadership in climate advocacy and action, reinforcing its mission to safeguard communities, protect livelihoods, and promote accountability in Nigeria’s climate response.

CategoriesClimate change

HEDA and NiMet Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Climate Resilience for Smallholder Farmers

As part of HEDA’s continuous efforts to enhance climate resilience and support sustainable development in Nigeria, we are pleased to announce the formalization of our partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration, which began in 2010, aims to expand the delivery of agro-meteorological information to smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The MoU signing ceremony held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 was attended by our Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, and Legal and Liaison Officer, Miss Tonye Dappa. The 5-year MOU between HEDA and NIMET, which is subject to renewal by both parties upon its expiration would among other things, boost the capacity of both parties through collaboration and provision of relevant tools to enhance the availability of agro-meteorological development programs and improve the research and capacity building for both parties. The expected benefits of the MOU to NIMET include the boost of food security of the country and visibility of the agency; while to HEDA, the expected benefits of the MOU include enhancing its deliverables and improve its strategic planning and campaigns. NIMET include the provision of historical and real-time weather data on the HEDA website to support the organization and its partners in assessing climate related risks associated within the agricultural sector, participate in research, review, meetings, assist HEDA with expert analysis and management of agro-meteorological data. The responsibilities of HEDA include collaboration with NIMET in conducting need driven research and resource development, acknowledgement of NIMET in projects, involve NIMET staff in HEDA’s campaigns and speaking opportunity in relevant meetings/topics, assist NIMET in increasing the reach of its downscaling and stepdown activities. The MOU also presents an opportunity for future novel areas of collaboration. HEDA expressed its gratitude to NiMet’s Director-General/CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, for his leadership and support. According to Arigbabu, the partnership will enable us to improve early warning systems, promote climate-smart agriculture, and enhance national resilience to climate change. “We look forward to working with NiMet to co-create educational climate content for farmers and ensure inclusive access to vital weather and climate information. By working together, we can bridge the gap between climate science and grassroots action, ultimately benefiting smallholder farmers and rural communities across Nigeria.” He added. He reaffirmed HEDA’s continued commitment and support to the work of the NIMET and serving as a crucial link between NIMET and those who critically require its information. Mr. Arigbabu also mentioned the potential for future partnerships between NIMET and young people in creating climate-related content using the agency’s studio.