… Partner on satellite technology, MAZU platform, meteorological capacity development
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in early warning systems, satellite technology and institutional capacity development under the global Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative.
The commitment was made during a strategic engagement on the sidelines of the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting, where both institutions outlined priority areas for collaboration to strengthen meteorological services in Nigeria and beyond.
In his opening remarks, CMA Deputy Administrator, Mr. Song Shanyun, commended NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, and congratulated the Nigerian Government on hosting the annual meeting.
Shanyun said Nigeria, through NiMet, had demonstrated strong leadership in advancing meteorological development, reaffirming CMA’s readiness to support efforts to strengthen weather services in Nigeria and other countries.
He identified three key areas for enhanced cooperation: the joint development of the MAZU operational platform for Nigeria, expanded application of Fengyun satellite technology to improve meteorological observation, and increased investment in capacity-building and institutional development.
Responding, Anosike expressed appreciation to CMA and the Chinese Government for deploying a six-member delegation to the meeting, describing their participation as evidence of China’s commitment to advancing meteorological development globally.
The NiMet chief executive called for the two agencies to formalise their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), stressing that the agreement should reflect Nigeria’s socioeconomic priorities and practical meteorological needs.
A major outcome of the engagement was the presentation of two tablet devices by CMA to NiMet. The devices are equipped with the MAZU artificial intelligence agent designed to support urban multi-hazard early warning.
The tablets are expected to function as dedicated intelligent terminals for delivering meteorological early-warning information, potentially strengthening access to timely alerts and supporting efforts to protect lives and property.
Both institutions also agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism to coordinate joint development activities, improve collaboration and sustain progress on the proposed areas of partnership.
The engagement reinforces the importance of international cooperation in advancing early warning capabilities, improving weather observation and building institutional capacity as countries seek to strengthen resilience against weather-related hazards and other climate risks.