By Chidi Ugwu
The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and PR of Nigeria with WMO, Prof. Charles Anosike, has reiterated the Agency’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that support climate-smart agriculture and improved nutrition in Nigeria at the close-out ceremony of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) Project, implemented by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based foundation launched at the United Nations in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition and strengthen food systems for vulnerable populations, in collaboration with development partners.
In his keynote address, the DG commended GAIN and stakeholders for their dedication to improving food systems and addressing malnutrition, describing the SNIPS project as “a testament to what can be achieved when we unite expertise, resources and passion for a common goal.”
He emphasized the growing impact of climate variability on Nigeria’s food production systems, noting that erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells and other climatic pressures continue to affect crop yields and nutritional quality. He underscored NiMet’s mandate to provide reliable weather and climate information that enables farmers to make informed decisions on planting, harvesting and crop protection. “This supports higher yields, reduces losses and ensures that the staples reaching Nigerian households are both abundant and nutritious,” he stated.
The DG highlighted the SNIPS project’s success in integrating nutrition-sensitive agriculture with climate-smart practices across Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Oyo States. He also appreciated GAIN for ensuring strong participation of women and young people, noting that empowering these groups through training, decision-making roles and access to livelihood opportunities is essential for resilient and inclusive food systems.
Prof. Anosike stressed that tackling food security and nutrition challenges requires sustained collaboration. He reaffirmed NiMet’s readiness to deepen partnerships with GAIN, government agencies and the private sector to expand early-warning systems, strengthen farmer education and promote innovation in climate-smart agriculture.
“As we celebrate the achievements of SNIPS, let us also look to the future. Your dedication is shaping a healthier, more food-secure Nigeria. NiMet stands ready to collaborate as we move forward together,” he concluded.
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