Liberia’s vulnerability to natural and human-induced hazards has underscored the urgent need for a robust, inclusive, and data-driven Early Warning System (EWS).
In an effort to further strengthen Liberia’s capacities for guaranteeing Early Warmings for All (EW4ALL), a study tour and training was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 1 to 5 December 2025. During this study tour, the Liberian and Nigerian delegations exchanged knowledge and best practices concerning effective EWS practices and engaged in benchmarking activities. The Liberian delegation also familiarized themselves with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Disaster Operations Centre in Abuja. The tour provided peer learning, and strategic dialogue tailored to Liberia’s EWS implementation priorities.
The study tour was jointly organized by UNDRR and the ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DHSA), and key Nigerian and Liberian institutions. The study tour was made possible by theSwedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), as part of its support to accelerate the implementation of the EW4All initiative in Liberia. This initiative has supported the development of a national EW4ALL roadmap.
This collaboration between the Nigerian agencies Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), and the Liberian government has been further enabled by the support of the World Metrological Organization (WMO). Through the EW4ALL, WMO is supporting NiMet and NiHSA to Liberia to set up infrastructure for enhanced EWS implementation. Participants from Nigeria and Liberia were pleased to hear that this initiative would allow them to continue exchanging information and best practices.
The study tour brought together 8 participants from the National Disaster Management Agency, the Liberia Hydrological Service (LHS), and the Office of Trade Union Affairs.
UNDRR delivered trainings on cross-cutting issues in DRR and transboundary risk management, as well as on Sendai Framework Monitoring (SFM) and how to make it operational. Further training was also delivered by ECOWAS, WMO, and the University of Abuja.
The participants of the study tour visited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), where they engaged in a benchmarking activity. Based on these discussions, the two delegations agreed to engage in a joint simulation exercise in the future, and to establish Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue working together on activities.
The Government of Liberia expressed thanks for the warm reception and requested continued support as the country works to strengthen EWS, improve decentralized disaster management, and enhance operational readiness.
The tour also included a visit to the African University of Aviation and Aerospace (AAAU). Part of the university’s research includes creating atmospheric models out of meteorological data. Previously, NiMethas supported hydrological and meteorological tracking and modelling in both Sierra Leone and Liberia. This work was enabled through a desk at NiMet dedicated to supporting Sierra Leone and Liberia’s tracking and modelling operations.
The Liberian delegation expressed the need to continue this support and solidarity between Liberia and Nigeria. As a result of these discussions, participants agreed that a MoU would be prepared between Liberia and the AAAU to continue the collaborative work.
The Liberian delegation was also able to create a joint action plan made up of 20 action points to effectively strengthen the nation’s EWS through continued collaboration between the two countries. These action points include conducting a join simulation exercise; revamping the Liberian Desk led by NiMet; drafting an MoU between the institutions, developing joint operation centres for the co-production and activation of the emergency operation centres; and establishing and operationalising a Liberian situation room linked to ECOWAS Disaster Operations Centre.
This kind of cross-border collaboration also leverages a joint initiative by UNDRR and ECOWAS “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Solidarity to Reduce Disaster Impacts and Humanitarian Needs in West Africa 2025 – 2027” funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid.
This project will support Member States in strengthening institutional capacities and harmonizing regional approaches to disaster risk management. The project will also support Liberia and Nigeria to implement their joint action plan.
- UNDRR
