The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has started testing a new digital data platform aimed at enhancing access to location-specific weather and climate information for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders. This development is a collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Crea2Solutions. The platform, known as the NiMet Data Hub, has evolved from the design stage to an advanced Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
The NiMet Data Hub is designed to provide easier access to historical, monitored, and forecast climate information. This will support agricultural planning and risk management for farmers, livestock keepers, agricultural advisers, and other users. The development of the hub began in February 2026 under the Climate Services for Youth and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa programmes. By July 2026, the project had progressed from early design to a testable product.
The initiative aims to improve access to climate information and support risk analysis, seasonal planning, and climate-informed decision-making. According to NiMet, the development of the platform was driven by persistent weaknesses in agricultural climate services. These weaknesses include fragmented data, limited coordination among information providers, and challenges in translating technical forecasts into timely and practical advice.
The development of the NiMet Data Hub involved stakeholder engagement co-hosted by NiMet and ILRI. The engagement focused on mapping Nigeria’s agro-meteorological data and advisory landscape. It also sought to identify gaps in the availability and delivery of climate information. Furthermore, the engagement aimed to strengthen institutional linkages, improve last-mile communication, and support gender and social inclusion.
The platform is expected to serve a broad range of users, including farmers, pastoralists, extension professionals, researchers, government institutions, and private advisory providers. NiMet’s existing resources, such as online map rooms and agricultural climate products, will feed into the system. This will support the development of context-specific agro-weather advisories.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) contributed to the initiative by aligning it with its broader work of organizing research data and developing digital tools. The project is consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda priorities, which include food security, climate-smart agriculture, and digital services. The hub seeks to place usable climate information in the hands of producers and advisers.
The NiMet Data Hub is expected to support preparedness, reduce climate-related losses, and strengthen agri-food livelihoods. By providing accessible climate information, the initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in Nigeria. The project also seeks to strengthen the link between climate information and agricultural decision-making.
Key points
- The NiMet Data Hub aims to improve access to location-specific weather and climate information for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
- The platform was developed in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Crea2Solutions.
- The initiative is consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda priorities.
