Early rainfall onset is expected in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and parts of Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo, while northern and central states like Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger will face delays.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts significant rainfall events for 2025, emphasizing early onset in southern states. This prediction aligns with the unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The SCP, themed ‘The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,’ highlights the importance of timely weather insights for national planning.
The 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday, 4th February, highlights the importance of proactive climate planning. Early rainfall onset is expected in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi States. Meanwhile, northern and central states like Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara will experience delayed rainfall onset, while the rest of the country will see normal onset patterns.
Additionally, the end-of-rainy season forecast shows early cessation in Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states. Conversely, delayed cessation is predicted for parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu states. These predictions provide critical insights for sectors like agriculture, aviation, and disaster management to adapt effectively.
Minister Keyamo emphasized that the SCP document is a critical tool for informed decision-making, enabling sectors like agriculture, health, and aviation to mitigate risks and seize opportunities. Keyamo states: “The SCP document is a critical tool for informed decision-making, offering insights into weather patterns to plan, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities across sectors.”
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted efforts to make the SCP accessible through translations and summaries, ensuring inclusivity for remote communities. He states, “Today’s session reflects our dedication to public engagement, ensuring climate knowledge benefits all 36 states and the FCT, including remote communities. Translating the SCP into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin ensures inclusivity, making climate knowledge accessible to all, including remote communities across Nigeria.”
Prof Charles Anosike, NiMet’s Director General, stressed the importance of utilizing the SCP for actionable insights and feedback to improve future predictions. He appreciated lawmakers, Governors or their representatives, for honoring NiMet’s invitation to the event. “The 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction is perishable; actors must utilize it, provide feedback, and ensure its impact reaches the last mile for maximum benefit. NiMet relies on your constituencies and States for effective downscaling, ensuring the prediction translates into meaningful action where it matters most.”
The 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) underscores NiMet’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development. By leveraging early warnings, Nigeria can better navigate the challenges of a changing climate, ensuring socio-economic growth across all sectors.
