NiMet opens AI team for weather predictions

The Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Integration Team of the Agency to boost weather predictions.

The DG explained that the team was set up as part of the Agency’s drive to strengthen innovation, digital transformation, and service delivery in meteorological and climate services.

The agency also said it has concluded a comprehensive review of its Conditions of Service, as part of measures to align its human resource framework with contemporary public service standards and its evolving operational mandate.

Prof. Anosike said the inauguration of the team was in line with NiMet’s commitment to complement decades of physics-based forecasting with emerging AI-driven approaches, adding that it also aligns with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and the ongoing modernization of meteorological services in Nigeria.

The team is tasked with identifying opportunities, standards, and best practices for the application of artificial intelligence in meteorology, and with driving the integration of AI-based tools into NiMet’s operational forecasting systems.

The initiative is expected to enhance the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of weather predictions through hybrid AI–traditional forecasting models.

Prof. Anosike explained that building internal AI capacity was critical to sustaining NiMet’s leadership in technological innovation among government agencies, while ensuring that emerging technologies are responsibly deployed to support aviation safety, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and national development.

Members of the AI Research and Integration Team were drawn from the various units in the agency.

According to a statement by the Director of Human Resources Management and Administration of NiMet, Dr. Nasir Sani, the staff condition of the service review process was driven by collaboration between NiMet’s Management and the recognised staff unions.

Dr. Sani noted that through sustained dialogue, extensive consultations, and mutual understanding, both parties worked collectively to produce a revised Conditions of Service that addresses critical issues of staff welfare, career progression, professionalism, and institutional efficiency, while supporting the Agency’s core mandate of delivering timely and accurate weather and climate services.

He stated: “With the backing of the current administration, the review was diligently advanced through the appropriate channels and has now received the necessary approvals from relevant oversight authorities.

“These include clearance from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), among other statutory bodies, thereby formally validating and operationalising the revised Conditions of Service for NiMet staff.

“The updated framework introduces clearer guidelines on appointments, promotions, career progression, and disciplinary procedures, while also improving provisions on staff welfare, leave entitlements, and work–life balance. It further standardised procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, and aligns fully with Federal Civil Service rules and best practices”.

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He further explained that beyond policy alignment, the revised Conditions of Service are expected to enhance staff motivation and morale, thereby improving productivity and more efficient service delivery across the Agency.

“The review underscores NiMet’s commitment to creating a conducive work environment, strengthening human capital development, and equipping its workforce to deliver weather and climate information that is critical to national development and safety”.

The Management encouraged all staff to familiarise themselves with the revised Conditions of Service, noting that it serves as a comprehensive guide to their rights, responsibilities, and career development within the Agency.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to continuous institutional reforms aimed at promoting efficiency, staff welfare, and excellence in service delivery as part of its broader mission to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development through reliable and timely meteorological services.