The AATF meeting on March 18, 2025, led by Vice President Shettima and attended by NiMet’s Prof. Anosike, focused on proactive flood preparedness. The meeting highlighted alignment with international frameworks and discussed the need for enhanced forecasting, data collection, and the integration of technology in disaster management.
The meeting convened by the Anticipatory Action Task Force on Floods (AATF) on March 18, 2025, was attended by the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike. Hosted by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the meeting aimed to transition Nigeria’s approach to flood management from reactive disaster relief to proactive preparedness.
AATF’s objectives align with international frameworks including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. These frameworks prioritize proactive disaster preparedness as essential for mitigating natural disaster impacts and protecting vulnerable communities.
During the assembly, AATF members reported on their agencies’ efforts towards flood impact mitigation. Vice President Shettima expressed grave concern for the escalating humanitarian and economic repercussions of floods in Nigeria, asserting the necessity for immediate action prior to disasters. He advocated for utilizing science, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to enhance safety and preserve livelihoods.
Professor Anosike praised the Vice President for his forward-thinking leadership in promoting anticipatory action, which is vital for ensuring effective preparedness and response to climate-related challenges. He emphasized NiMet’s critical role in delivering impact-based forecasts to facilitate early warnings before extreme weather events occur, and discussed the potential benefits of integrating these forecasts with other early warning systems.
Furthermore, Professor Anosike highlighted essential priority areas to fortify NiMet’s forecasting capabilities, such as enhancing weather models, investing in advanced forecasting systems, expanding the observation station network, improving data collection methods, and employing machine learning techniques to enhance prediction accuracy.
The AATF meeting underscored the importance of shifting Nigeria’s flood management from reactive to proactive strategies. Key stakeholders, including Vice President Shettima and Professor Anosike, emphasized the need for improved capabilities in forecasting and response. Enhanced collaboration and the use of technology are essential for mitigating future flood risks and safeguarding communities.
Original Source: sciencenigeria.com
