FG, AGRHYMET Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Nigeria’s Hydrological Data, Climate Resilience
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new strategic collaboration with AGRHYMET Regional Climate Centre for West Africa and the Sahel to improve the country’s hydrological data systems, climate monitoring, and early-warning capabilities—critical tools in addressing rising climate threats, flood risks, and food security challenges.
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, disclosed this when he received a delegation from AGRHYMET, led by its Acting Director General, Dr. Baoua Issoufou, in Abuja. The meeting reinforces President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen national water infrastructure and climate resilience as part of Nigeria’s broader development agenda.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Minister emphasized that the administration has prioritized irrigated agriculture, clean water supply, food security, flood control and climate change mitigation.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in producing the Annual Flood Outlook and providing early warnings that guide disaster preparedness across the country. He also commended the Nigeria Water Resources Institute (NWRI) for its continued contributions to climate-related training and research—areas that align closely with AGRHYMET’s mandate.
Prof. Utsev noted that Nigeria’s River Basin Development Authorities remain central to expanding food production, but stressed that deeper collaboration with AGRHYMET will significantly strengthen the nation’s hydrological monitoring capacity, improve data accuracy and enhance regional cooperation on climate adaptation. He directed that all documentation be finalised immediately to fast-track the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and AGRHYMET.
Speaking earlier, AGRHYMET’s team lead, Dr. Baoua Issoufou, explained that the partnership aims to fortify the climate services value chain across West Africa and the Sahel by enhancing data sharing, technical capacity, and the dissemination of reliable climate and hydrological information.
Echoing this, Prof. Manzur Bako Matazu, ECOWAS representative and Technical Assistant to AGRHYMET, said the committee’s focus spans training, research, hydrology, agriculture, food security and natural resource management.
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He underscored the importance of regional digital data banks, improved adaptation measures, stronger forecasting systems, and sustained technical support for national hydrological agencies. Prof. Matazu also praised NIHSA for its consistent and effective deployment of the Annual Flood Outlook, describing it as a key tool for regional preparedness.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong; Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed; senior officials of the Ministry; and members of the technical committee comprising AGRHYMET, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and ECOWAS.
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