Rakiya A.Muhammad
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) convened with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to strengthen partnership on integrating climate data into emergency management planning activities, aiming to tackle climate-related risks head-on.
The partnership seeks to bridge climate data gaps and provide reliable information to support informed decision-making.
The agencies discussed improving climate information services, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and integrating seasonal climate predictions into SEMA ’s operational planning framework.
Prof. Mu’azu Shamaki, UNDP/NIMET Consultant and leader of the visiting team, highlighted Sokoto’s strategic location in Northwestern Nigeria during the visit to SEMA.
“We are here to engage with you, recognising that as policymakers, you play a crucial role in turning fieldwork into actionable policies,” he said.
The Consultant noted that Sokoto is one of the states where they are exploring ways to reduce the poverty level among the people, thereby empowering them. He also said they are working to tackle farmers/herders’ clashes.
“One of the things we do is to establish home -based natural resources committees, and NIMET and UNDP take responsibility for training the people,” he disclosed.
“Another thing is the livelihood of the common man- we interact with herders and farmers in different locations. We are already in Illela, Kebbe, Wamakko, Tambuwal local government areas, and recently we added Tureta as part of where we conduct our research, just to get the information that will make an impact.”
In his welcome address, Sokoto SEMA Special Adviser Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga expressed appreciation to the team for their advocacy on climate data integration and for providing the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s publication, “2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction,” in both English and Hausa.
The Special Adviser lauded NIMET’s work, especially the rainfall predictions, which he said have been invaluable to the state government and residents.
He assured that the document would be reviewed, shared with the State Governor and stakeholders, and that concrete steps would follow its recommendations.
