Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike has been elected as President of the ECOWAS Committee of Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NHMS).
Professor Anosike is also the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, & Permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation on atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and geophysics.
In a post on his Facebook page, Professor Anosike said his election took place during the Committee’s 14th Meeting, which was held between 20th and 22nd May 2025 in Abuja.
“The Committee, comprising heads of NMHSs across West Africa, promotes regional collaboration on weather, climate, and water services, with a focus on early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience under the ECOWAS Hydromet Initiative,” he said.
In accepting the election, Professor Anosike reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening regional cooperation
“As we confront the challenges of climate change, our collective action is crucial. I am honoured to lead this Committee at such a pivotal time.”
Delegates from ECOWAS member states—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Cape Verde (virtually)—attended, along with partners including WMO, ACMAD, AGRHYMET, WASCAL, ECOWAS Commission, the World Bank, and MOWCA.
The meeting was officially opened by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, alongside Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. A key highlight was the review of the “Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL)” initiative, targeting full regional implementation by 2027.
Professor Anosike’s election underscores Nigeria’s regional leadership and commitment to advancing climate action, innovation, and coordination among NMHSs in West Africa.
