The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has entered into partnership with 3IS to strengthen the delivery of climate information to vulnerable communities through an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot.
The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations to support the ANTICIPA project in Nigeria.
The ANTICIPA project, currently being piloted in Sokoto State, uses an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot to transform NiMet weather forecasts into practical advisories that can help communities prepare for potential climate-related hazards.
Speaking during the MoU signing, NiMet Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, highlighted the growing role of technology in taking climate information to the last mile.
Anosike said the use of new technologies was important to achieving the early warning for all initiative by ensuring that weather and climate information reaches people who need it in accessible formats.
Project Manager of ANTICIPA, Pridon Japaridze, said the initiative uses information provided by NiMet and advanced technology to generate knowledge that can help communities strengthen their resilience and improve their livelihoods.
According to him, the chatbot receives NiMet forecasts, applies a decision-tree system to determine appropriate advisories and delivers the information to users through text or voice messages in their preferred language. Hausa is currently available for the Sokoto State pilot.
Anosike also stressed the potential for the initiative to be expanded to other states across Nigeria, while highlighting the need for further research and development involving NiMet’s artificial intelligence team to ensure the project’s sustainability.
The MoU, signed by Anosike on behalf of NiMet and Hélène Pelisson on behalf of 3IS, provides a framework for coordination, knowledge exchange, implementation planning and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The two organisations are expected to move into the next phase of the partnership by translating the commitments contained in the agreement into specific activities and measurable outcomes.
