BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In preparation for the public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) early next year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) convened a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
The workshop focused on evaluating the socio-economic impact of the SCP.
Stakeholders from various sectors lauded NiMet for its critical contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, particularly through the timely annual release of the SCP.
Welcoming attendees, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a crucial step in finalizing the 2025 SCP document. “NiMet is dedicated to climate-proofing the economy by providing timely weather and climate information,” he affirmed.
Professor Anosike emphasised the evolution of the SCP, noting its integration of co-development practices supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). “This co-development approach allows key stakeholders to actively participate in the production of weather and climate information, enhancing its depth, accuracy, and relevance. It also fosters a sense of ownership among stakeholders,” he explained.
Reflecting on the significance of past predictions, he urged attendees to build on their experiences:
“I urge us all to reflect on the observed events of the various components of the 2024 prediction, their socio-economic impacts across sectors, and use our experiences to generate more robust advisories for the 2025 prediction to improve livelihoods, secure the nation’s food security status, and make our people resilient.”
Dr. Bernard Gomez, WMO’s representative in Nigeria, echoed these sentiments through his delegate, Dr. Rowland Abah, commending NiMet’s consistent leadership in weather and climate forecasting.
“I wish to commend NiMet for organizing this Stakeholders’ Workshop annually. It demonstrates NiMet’s capacity and leadership in forecasting weather and climate conditions. This is evident in the fact that NiMet now supports other African countries in producing their forecasts and building their capacity. This is highly commendable.”
Highlighting inclusivity, Bilkisu Yakubu, representing the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), expressed gratitude for NiMet’s inclusive approach.
“This is the first time in Nigeria’s history. We are so proud of NiMet because of the hospitality extended to us when we signed the MoU. Prof. Anosike is truly an ambassador for inclusivity, especially regarding climate change,” she said.
The NiMET boss said the workshop served as a vital feedback platform, ensuring the final SCP document aligns with diverse expectations.
The 2025 SCP is slated for public unveiling in late January 2025, pending approval from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Participants included representatives from the WMO, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and others.
