Prof. Anosike’s election is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s standing in regional climate leadership.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), has been elected President of the ECOWAS Committee of Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NMHSs).
His election was confirmed during the Committee’s 14th meeting, which held from May 20 to 22, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The committee, made up of heads of NMHSs from across West Africa, aims to foster regional collaboration on weather, climate, and water services, with a strong emphasis on early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience, in line with the ECOWAS Hydromet Initiative.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Anosike pledged to champion the committee’s objectives with renewed vigor.
“As we confront the challenges of climate change, our collective action is crucial,” he said. “I am honoured to lead this Committee at such a pivotal time.”
The meeting drew delegates from ECOWAS member countries—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Cape Verde (who participated virtually).
It also featured representatives from key partner organizations, including WMO, ACMAD, AGRHYMET, WASCAL, the ECOWAS Commission, the World Bank, and the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
Declaring the meeting open, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, emphasised importance of regional coordination in facing climate challenges.
“The role of meteorological and hydrological services in safeguarding lives and livelihoods cannot be overstated,” Keyamo said. “Nigeria remains committed to leading efforts that promote climate resilience in the region.”
Also present was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, who reaffirmed the ministry’s support for initiatives that enhance early warning capabilities.
A major highlight of the gathering was the review of the “Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL)” initiative, which aims for full regional implementation by 2027.
Prof. Anosike’s election is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s standing in regional climate leadership and a recognition of its commitment to innovation and strategic coordination among West Africa’s meteorological and hydrological agencies.