Environmentalists and health experts have called for climate-resilient health systems in Nigeria, emphasizing inclusive early warning and risk management services.
The call came during the 2026 Weather and Climate Information Services for Health Workshop held on Tuesday in Lagos.
Participants highlighted that climate change, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are already contributing to respiratory illnesses, water- and vector-borne diseases, food insecurity, and disaster-related health risks.
The workshop was hosted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), the National Hydrological Services Agency, and the National Orientation Agency. Other participants included the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Budget and Economic Planning and the Lagos State Government.
Health Adviser at the British High Commission, Juliet Whitley, said, “Nigeria is leading the way in developing an early warning system that will enable its health sector to prepare for extreme weather. The UK is proud to support Nigeria’s commitment to building a climate-resilient health system”.
Director of the Climate Change and Environmental Health Division, Dr. Zakariya Mohammed, noted, “With health integrated into Nigeria’s NDC 3.0, this workshop is an excellent starting point for establishing an operational early warning system for climate and health”.
NEMA’s Isa Abulkasir emphasized that early warning systems are key to mitigating health risks, enhancing community resilience, and reducing the impact of climate-sensitive diseases and disasters.
NiMet reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely, accurate, and impact-based forecasts, saying collaboration with the health sector and partners is vital to transforming climate intelligence into resilience for communities nationwide.
A community-level survey informed the workshop to ensure early warning services meet the needs of vulnerable populations. International experts from the UK government, Met Office, Rockefeller Foundation, World Bank, WMO, WHO, and UK Health Security Agency also contributed insights.
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