NiMet, China Partner to Boost AI-Powered Weather Warning Systems

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have stepped up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s weather forecasting and disaster preparedness through artificial intelligence, satellite technology and enhanced technical cooperation.

The commitment was made during a strategic partnership meeting on the sidelines of the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting, with both institutions agreeing to pursue joint initiatives aimed at improving meteorological services.

CMA Deputy Administrator, Song Shanyun, commended NiMet Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, and congratulated the Nigerian Government on hosting the annual meeting.

Shanyun said Nigeria had demonstrated leadership in advancing meteorological development through NiMet, assuring that China was prepared to support efforts to strengthen weather services in Nigeria and beyond.

He identified three key areas for collaboration: the joint development of the MAZU operational platform for Nigeria, wider application of Fengyun satellite technology to improve weather observation, and expanded capacity-building and institutional development.

In his response, Anosike thanked the Chinese Government and CMA for sending a six-member delegation to the meeting, describing their participation as a demonstration of commitment to global meteorological development.

He stressed the need to formalise the partnership through a memorandum of understanding that would align the collaboration with Nigeria’s socioeconomic priorities and operational meteorological needs.

As part of the engagement, CMA presented NiMet with two tablet devices equipped with the MAZU artificial intelligence agent for urban multi-hazard early warning.

The devices are designed to function as intelligent terminals for delivering meteorological early-warning information, providing additional technological support for timely alerts on potentially hazardous weather conditions.

The two institutions also agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism to coordinate joint projects and ensure sustained progress in the agreed areas of cooperation.

The partnership is expected to strengthen technical exchange between Nigeria and China while supporting efforts to improve weather monitoring, early warning and institutional capacity in the face of growing weather-related risks.