The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has unveiled the Preparation for Use of Meteosat in Africa (PUMA 2025) and Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Satellite Receiving System, equipped with the cutting-edge Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) technology of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The system, donated to Nigeria and deployed by the African Union Commission (AUC) through Tecnavia SA with funding from the European Union (EU), was formally presented today at the Agency's headquarters in Abuja. The installation of the system is scheduled to take place this week.
Speaking during the unveiling event, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized the transformative impact of the MTG system on weather forecasting in Nigeria. According to him, the advanced capabilities of the MTG will significantly enhance the quality, resolution, and frequency of meteorological data, thereby improving the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts and early warnings.
Professor Anosike highlighted that the arrival of the PUMA 2025 system is timely, as it aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advancing weather services and strengthening early warning systems for the protection of lives and property across the country.
He further noted that the PUMA 2025 system represents a major upgrade from the existing PUMA 2015 model, which is to be decommissioned at the end of 2026.
Expressing appreciation to both the African Union and the European Union for their continued support, Professor Anosike assured that the deployment of the MTG system would boost NiMet’s weather forecasts, allowing for more accurate and timely predictions, ultimately enhancing national preparedness for extreme weather events.
The installation of the PUMA 2025 system will be followed by a formal certification and commissioning program, scheduled to take place on Friday.
