The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, today inspected and formally commissioned the implementation of the Agency's comprehensive Meteorological Data Rescue Project, marking a significant milestone in NiMet's drive to preserve Nigeria's climate heritage and strengthen its scientific and operational capacity.
The Data Rescue Project is a landmark initiative aimed at securing invaluable historical weather and climate records, some dating back more than a century to the 19th century, which were previously at risk of permanent loss. These records include handwritten meteorological observation logs, ship logs, and early instrumental measurements that predate modern digital systems. By recovering these datasets, the project extends Nigeria’s climate record further back in time, filling critical gaps in existing digital archives.
Meteorological data rescue is globally recognized as a vital component of climate science. By digitizing fragile paper records and obsolete storage media, the project preserves historical weather information, extends long-term climate datasets, and enhances climate analysis and prediction. The rescued data will support improved climate modelling, assessment of climate change impacts, disaster risk reduction, and sectoral planning, while providing essential historical context for interpreting present-day weather and climate patterns. Importantly, it also ensures that these datasets are readily accessible for research, policymaking, and evidence-based decision-making.
The initiative directly addresses the vulnerability of Nigeria's analogue climate history. Many of the records have been preserved only on ageing paper and stored under conditions that expose them to deterioration from time, humidity, and handling. Through a systematic process of recovery, preservation, quality control, and digitization, the project guarantees the long-term security and accessibility of these irreplaceable national assets and strengthens the scientific foundation for understanding Nigeria's past climate.
Speaking during the inspection and commissioning today, Professor Anosike underscored the strategic importance of the project. "This is more than an archival exercise; it is a foundational investment in our nation's future. By rescuing and digitizing this data, we are building a robust scientific backbone for climate resilience, advanced forecasting, and sustainable development planning, he said.
The Data Rescue Project reflects NiMet's commitment to modernizing its operations in line with the standards and best practices of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It also aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its emphasis on digital transformation and the strategic use of technology to safeguard national assets and enhance governance.
With the successful inspection and commissioning of the project today, NiMet has reinforced its position as a leader in climate data stewardship, setting a benchmark for digital preservation, institutional innovation, and the effective application of science in the public sector.
