(First Roll) Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and other dignitaries during the official unveiling of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction in Abuja yesterday
By Victoria Onehi
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said a longer-than-normal length of rainy season is expected in some state accross the federation. The states are Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba States.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr.Festus Keyamo disclosed this in his keynote address at the public presentation of the 2026 seasonal Climate prediction (SCP) in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said: “We have already seen some significant rains across the southern parts of the country this year. Let me reiterate that these should not be taken to mean that the rainy season has started in these places. Those engaged in rainfed agriculture and other rainfall-dependent activities in Nigeria are therefore advised to refer to the predicted onset dates in this publication or consult NiMet for proper guidance.
“Early onset is expected in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, and parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba States. While a late onset is expected over Borno State. Rainfall cessation is anticipated to be earlier than normal in parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi and Niger States. However, a delayed end of season is expected in Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna States.
“A longer-than-normal length of rainy season is expected in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba States. Whereas, parts of Borno, Yobe and Niger States are expected to have a shorter-than-normal length of rainy season.”
The Minister said the Federal government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Tinubu places strong emphasis on economic stability, food security, infrastructure resilience, climate adaptation, and the protection of lives and livelihoods. He said the provision of timely and accurate weather information and climate services is no longer optional, but a strategic enabler of national development and good governance.
The Director-General / CEO Nigerian Meteorological Agency ( NiMET) and permanent Representative of Nigeria with the World Metrological Organisation (WMO) Prof Charles Anosike,said NiMet, have continued to provide authoritative and science-based knowledge, a critical factor to informed planning and decision-making in Nigeria’s rapidly changing climate.
He said: “As climate variability and extreme weather events increasingly threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, food security, and economic growth, timely and reliable weather and climate information have become indispensable for building safer and more climate-resilient communities across the country.
“Meteorological science is one of the most innovative fields in the world, with new technologies emerging every day. In recognition of this, the Management of NiMet has become proactive in adopting, domesticating, and applying these technologies in our operations. We have recently setup a team of experts, charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the Agency is at the forefront of integrating and operationalising Artificial Intelligence in our forecasting responsibilities.
Anosike said NiMET has developed partnerships with governments and non-governmental organisations, who have been critical in downscaling the SCP document to local farmers in various states.
“We are working assiduously to fast-track the deployment of digital advisory services in partnership with local and international collaborators. However, there is still much ground to be covered. I, therefore, want to use this opportunity to call for increased partnerships with the Agency, particularly from state governments. We want to be able to downscale the 2026 SCP information to more states than we did in previous years. Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to providing timely, accurate and reliable weather and climate information to ensure that we build a climate resilient economy.” Anosike said.
