Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has been elected President of the ECOWAS Committee of Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NMHSs). His election was confirmed during the Committee’s 14th Meeting held from May 20 to 22, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The ECOWAS Committee, which brings together heads of NMHSs from across West Africa, drives regional collaboration on weather, climate, and water services. Its work focuses on strengthening early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience under the ECOWAS Hydromet Initiative.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Anosike reaffirmed his commitment to regional cooperation, stating: “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.”
The Abuja meeting was attended by 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)—as well as key development partners including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), ACMAD, AGRHYMET, WASCAL, the ECOWAS Commission, the World Bank, and MOWCA.
The event was formally opened by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, alongside Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. A major highlight was the review of the “Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL)” initiative, which aims for full regional implementation by 2027.
Professor Anosike’s election signals Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing climate innovation, coordination, and resilience efforts across West Africa.
