Professor Charles Anosike elected Chair of the ACMAD Board of Governors
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has been elected Chair of the Board of Governors of the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD). His four-year term begins at a crucial time when Africa is seeking to strengthen its institutions so that climate information can directly benefit communities.
The election took place during the 24th Ordinary Session of the ACMAD Board of Governors in Cotonou, Benin, on the sidelines of the 22nd African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF-22).
Beyond institutional renewal, the appointment highlights a major challenge for the continent: transforming meteorology from a largely observational science into an effective instrument for social protection.
ACMAD has long supported African countries in climate monitoring, seasonal forecasting and the development of early-warning systems. However, as droughts, floods and heatwaves become more frequent, collecting data alone is no longer enough.
The priority is to consolidate and modernise these institutions so that they can respond to realities on the ground. Weather and climate data must move beyond laboratories and be used directly for the benefit of populations.
Whether it is a farmer planning the planting season, a pastoralist looking for grazing areas or communities threatened by rising water levels, climate information must become a practical tool for survival and everyday decision-making.
Professor Anosike, who also represents Nigeria at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is expected to advance this agenda during his mandate.
The task remains considerable. In an appeal published on 7 September, the WMO noted that although 41 African countries now have early-warning systems, critical gaps remain. Too often, alerts exist at central level but fail to reach remote communities.
Strengthening institutions such as ACMAD therefore means ensuring that vital information travels the “last mile” and reaches those who need it most.
The Cotonou meetings brought together Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission; Adamou Aïssatou Sitta, Vice-Chair of the Board and Director of Niger’s Meteorological Services; ACMAD Director General Ousmane Ndiaye; researchers and development partners. Benin was represented by its Minister for Living Environment and Transport in charge of Sustainable Development, Georges Alé.
