The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is creating a digital data platform to enhance access to timely and location-specific weather and climate information for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders. This initiative, known as the NiMet Data Hub, is being developed in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Crea2Solutions. The project commenced in February 2026 under the Climate Services for Youth (CS4Y) and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) programmes.
The NiMet Data Hub has advanced to the Minimum Viable Product stage, with NiMet's weather and climate services currently undergoing testing. By July, the project had moved from the initial design and mock-up stage to a testable digital product designed to provide access to historical, observed, and forecast climate information. This platform aims to support agricultural planning, climate-risk assessment, and informed decision-making by providing users with information tailored to specific locations and agricultural needs.
The development of the hub addresses identified challenges in Nigeria's agricultural climate services, including fragmented data sources, weak coordination among information providers, and difficulties in translating technical weather forecasts into practical advice for farmers. NiMet and ILRI have convened stakeholders to map the country's agro-meteorological data and advisory ecosystem, identify gaps in information delivery, and strengthen collaboration among relevant institutions.
The engagement is also focused on improving last-mile communication and ensuring that climate services are accessible to different groups, including women and other socially vulnerable communities. The proposed platform is expected to benefit farmers, pastoralists, agricultural extension workers, researchers, government agencies, and private-sector advisory service providers. NiMet's existing resources, including online map rooms and agricultural climate products, are expected to be integrated into the hub.
ILRI's role in the project is linked to its broader work on organizing research data, developing digital tools, and improving the accessibility and usability of information for partners and decision-makers. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's food security, climate-smart agriculture, and digital transformation priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The hub is ultimately aimed at helping agricultural producers anticipate weather and climate risks, improve planning, reduce potential losses, and strengthen the resilience of Nigeria's agri-food sector. The platform will provide users with location-specific weather and climate information, enabling them to make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and managing their crops.
The NiMet Data Hub is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria's agricultural sector, improving the livelihoods of farmers and other stakeholders. The project has the potential to enhance the country's agricultural productivity, reduce losses due to climate-related risks, and contribute to the Federal Government's food security goals.
Key points
- The NiMet Data Hub will provide location-specific weather and climate information to farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
- The platform aims to support agricultural planning, climate-risk assessment, and informed decision-making.
- The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's food security, climate-smart agriculture, and digital transformation priorities.
