….Lagos, Delta, Imo, 10 Others To Experience Earliest Rainfall
…Delayed Onset Expected In Kwara, Niger, 6 Others
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Government has unveiled the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), a vital meteorological report by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which provides early warnings on rainfall patterns and climate trends across Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, officially launched the SCP on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Abuja, where he emphasised its importance in ensuring climate resilience, especially in the aviation sector.
Themed: “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” the SCP predicts significant early rainfall in most parts of the country, particularly in the southern states.
According to NiMet, rainfall is expected to begin earlier than usual in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. Conversely, a delayed onset is forecasted in Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara. Other regions are expected to experience rainfall within the normal range.
Similarly, the rainy season is predicted to end earlier than the long-term average in Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo.
However, some areas—including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu—are projected to experience a delayed cessation of rainfall.
SCP: A Critical Tool for Decision-Making:
Describing the SCP as an indispensable resource, Keyamo highlighted its significance in aiding strategic planning across multiple sectors.
“It offers insights into expected weather and climate patterns, equipping various sectors with the foresight needed to plan, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities.
Agriculture, disaster risk management, health, marine operations, transport—and especially aviation—are among the many domains that will benefit from this invaluable resource and advisory,” the minister stated.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stressed the government’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
“The summary SCP document for policymakers, its translations into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, and the comprehensive 2024 State of the Climate report underscore our dedication to ensuring this vital information reaches even the most remote communities.
“Today’s session is particularly special because it represents our commitment to public engagement and nationwide climate awareness,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General and CEO of NiMet, highlighted the time-sensitive nature of climate forecasts, urging relevant actors to utilize the information effectively and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
“The Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), like other weather forecasts, is perishable. Its value lies in timely uptake, application, and stakeholder engagement to enhance its accuracy and impact,” he noted.
Expressing gratitude to legislative bodies for their support, Professor Anosike acknowledged the contributions of the Senate Committee on Aviation and the House Committee on Aviation Technology, as well as state governors and representatives in attendance.
“NiMet relies on your constituencies and states for subsequent downscaling of the Seasonal Climate Prediction for maximum impact at the last mile,” he concluded.
The full details of the 2025 SCP document is available for download on NiMet’s official website: www.nimet.gov.ng.
