The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) hosted a stakeholders’ workshop for 2025 SCP, Seasonal Climate Prediction document in Abuja on Tuesday, 17th December 2024. The event highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and assessing the socio-economic impact of seasonal climate predictions. This forum, which brings together experts across sectors, reinforces NiMet’s commitment to delivering accurate and actionable climate information.
Participants from various fields commended NiMet for consistently providing timely SCP documents that enhance decision-making and safeguard livelihoods. In his opening remarks, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Charles Anosike emphasized that the stakeholders’ workshop for 2025 SCP plays a vital role in shaping the agency’s outputs. He reiterated NiMet’s strategic focus on climate-proofing Nigeria’s economy by delivering essential weather and climate services.
“Over the years, the SCP has grown in scope, with the integration of co-development concepts supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO),” Prof. Anosike remarked. He explained that co-development empowers stakeholders to contribute directly to creating weather and climate information, ensuring accuracy and relevance. “This collaborative approach fosters ownership of the predictions, making the data not only credible but also user-centric,” he added.NiMet Partners with Oxfam to Minimize Humanitarian Emergencies
Prof. Anosike urged attendees to reflect on the socio-economic impacts of the 2024 SCP and to leverage their experiences to provide valuable input for the upcoming edition. “By generating robust advisories, we can collectively improve livelihoods, secure food production, and strengthen community resilience,” he concluded.
Representing the WMO, Dr. Rowland Abah commended NiMet for its consistent leadership in climate forecasting. “NiMet has been issuing the SCP for over a decade, demonstrating capacity and expertise. Its support for other African nations in building forecasting capabilities is remarkable,” Dr. Abah stated.
Bilkisu Yakubu, a representative of Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), praised NiMet for its inclusivity. “This workshop marks the first time persons with disabilities are actively involved in climate prediction discussions. Prof. Anosike’s commitment to inclusivity sets a significant precedent,” she noted.
The workshop also served as a feedback platform, ensuring that the SCP document addresses the diverse needs of stakeholders. The finalized SCP will be unveiled in late January 2025, pending approval from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
The event witnessed participation from key organizations, including the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Agriculture, NEMA, OCHA, NIHSA, and NAERLS, among others. Each institution underscored the critical role of climate predictions in advancing national resilience and sustainability.
As NiMet prepares to release the 2025 SCP, the agency reinforces its pivotal role in driving evidence-based decisions for socio-economic development. Collaborative platforms like this workshop enhance the reliability of climate information and ensure broader stakeholder engagement.
