Manny Ita –
Key government agencies and international partners have convened in Lagos to advance Nigeria’s commitment to developing an integrated climate, health and environmental early warning system under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
The impacts of climate change, pollution and ecosystem degradation are already contributing to respiratory illnesses, water- and vector-borne diseases, food insecurity and disaster-related health risks across the country, prompting renewed calls for climate-resilient health systems supported by inclusive early warning and risk management services.
In 2025, the Federal Government published its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which commits to “delivering a national integrated climate change, health and environmental early warning system with implementation in at least 18 states by 2030.” The National Early Warning Services for Health (WISER) workshop is described as a first step toward achieving that target, bringing together national institutions to share technical expertise and co-develop a multi-hazard early warning framework.
The workshop is hosted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Emergency Management Authority, the National Hydrological Services Agency and the National Orientation Agency. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Lagos State Government are also participating.
Organisers said a community-level survey conducted across Nigeria’s regions would inform the workshop’s activities and trainings to ensure early warning services are people-led and tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Officials emphasised that cross-sectoral coordination is central to efforts to co-produce early warning services that are usable, practical and inclusive. International experts are participating in the engagement, including representatives from the UK Met Office, the Rockefeller Foundation, the World Bank, the World Meteorological Organization, the World Health Organization and the UK Health Security Agency. The workshop forms part of WISER Health (Weather and Climate Information Services for Health), a global initiative co-funded by the UK Government and the Rockefeller Foundation, with the UK Met Office leading implementation.
Juliet Whitley, Head of Health at the British High Commission in Abuja, said: “Nigeria is leading the way in developing an early warning system that will better enable its health sector to prepare for and respond to extreme weather. The UK is proud to support Nigeria’s commitment to building a health system that is more resilient to climate change.”
Dr. Zakariya Mohammed, Director and Head of the Climate Change and Environmental Health Division at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stated: “With the integration of health considerations into Nigeria’s recently submitted NDC 3.0, this workshop provides an excellent starting point for collaborative efforts toward establishing an operational early warning system for climate and health in Nigeria.”
Isa Abulkasir, Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer and Climate Change Desk Officer at the National Emergency Management Authority, said: “As Nigeria integrates health into its NDC 3.0 framework, this workshop offers a timely opportunity to advance our collaborative efforts toward a climate-resilient health system. NEMA is committed to leveraging climate information and early warning systems to mitigate health risks, enhance community resilience, and reduce the impact of climate-sensitive diseases and disasters—building a safer, more resilient future for all Nigerians.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening weather and climate information services as a critical pillar for public health protection. “Building an efficient early warning system is not just a scientific responsibility; it is a national imperative,” a NiMet spokesperson said. “Through collaboration with the health sector and strategic partners, we are working to ensure timely, accurate, and impact-based forecasts translate into early action that saves lives and safeguards livelihoods across Nigeria. Together, we can transform climate intelligence into resilience for healthier communities nationwide.”
The World Press Conference of the National Early Warning Services (WISER) for Health Workshop 2026 was held at the World Meteorological Organisation Regional Training Center in Oshodi, Lagos, with global, national and community stakeholders in attendance.
