Maryam Aminu
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted early rainfall across several parts of the country in 2025, as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, unveiled the agency’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Themed “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” the SCP report predicts that many regions will witness significant rainfall events before the usual onset period.
According to the forecast, the onset of rainfall is expected to be delayed in some northern and central states, including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara.
However, early rainfall is predicted for parts of the South, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. Other regions are expected to experience a normal onset.
The end of the rainy season is also projected to vary, with parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states seeing an early cessation.
In contrast, areas such as Lagos, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Enugu may experience a delayed end to the season.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of the SCP document in supporting strategic decision-making across various sectors.“This report provides insights into expected weather and climate patterns, equipping sectors like agriculture, disaster risk management, health, marine operations, transport, and aviation with the foresight needed to plan, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities,” he stated.
“This report provides insights into expected weather and climate patterns, equipping sectors like agriculture, disaster risk management, health, marine operations, transport, and aviation with the foresight needed to plan, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, highlighted efforts to make the SCP widely accessible.
He noted that a summary document for policymakers, translations in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, and a comprehensive report on Nigeria’s 2024 climate state demonstrate NiMet’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Today’s session is special because it underscores our dedication to public engagement, ensuring this knowledge reaches all 36 states and the FCT,” he added.
NiMet’s Director General and CEO, Prof. Charles Anosike,
NiMet’s Director General and CEO, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed that the SCP is a perishable resource, requiring prompt utilization and feedback for continuous improvement.
He urged stakeholders to adopt the report’s findings for effective climate adaptation.
He also extended appreciation to lawmakers and governors for their support, particularly the Senate and House Committees on Aviation and Aviation Technology, and called for further collaboration to ensure the SCP’s downscaling and implementation at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Senator Diket Plang, emphasized the crucial role of climate awareness in safeguarding the environment and mitigating weather-related risks.
“It is very unwise not to be conscious of climatic changes,” he said. “NiMet’s program deserves the support of society. If we follow NiMet’s predictions, we will avoid most of the damages we are facing today.”
The full SCP document is available for download on the NiMet website (www.nimet.gov.ng).
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