By Shinne DivineGrace Ogbodo
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on Tuesday predicted early onset of rainfall in some Southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra and others of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi and a delayed onset of rainfall in Northern and Central states of Plateau as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa and Kwara.
The rest of the country, the agency says is predicted to have a normal onset.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, made the disclosure at the unveiling of 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja, with theme: ‘The Role of Early Warning Towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio- Economic Development.’
The prediction came against the end-of-rainy season compared to the long-term average indicates that parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states are expected to be early.
However, it added that there will be a delayed end of the season is expected over parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu state.
The Little Dry Season (LDS) also known as “August Break” is predicted to begin by late July and would be severe only in parts of Lagos and moderate LDS effect is expected over parts of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti state.
The Minister noted that The SCP is a crucial tool for informed decision making. He emphasized that the predictions offer valuable insights into weather and climate patterns, helping various sectors prepare for potential challenges.
“Early warning systems, backed by robust climate predictions, are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability of air navigation business.
“The SCP is not just a prediction. It is a blueprint for progress, resilience and hope,” Keyamo said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said that the accompanying summary SCP document for policymakers, translations of the SCP into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and pidgin languages, including a comprehensive report on the State of the Climate in Nigeria for 2024 underscore the Ministry’s and NiMet’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and ensuring that the information reaches even the most remote communities.
“This event underscores our dedication to public engagement and knowledge dissemination across all 36 states and the FCT.” he added.
The Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasized the importance of feedback from stakeholders in refining the SCP document.
He explained that early warning initiatives require collaboration at all levels of governance, adding that the SCP serves as an early warning tool for all Nigerians.
“The success of this initiative depends on how well actors in various sectors adopt the information, integrate it into their planning, and provide constructive feedback to improve future forecasts.” Anosike stated.
“My appreciation goes to the members of the Senate, and House of Representatives and Governors in attendance and/or their representatives for accepting our invitation and gracing this important event.
NiMet relies on your constituencies and states for subsequent downscaling of the SCP for maximum impact at the last mile.” he concluded.
