FG Unveils 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, Reaffirms Commitment to Climate-Smart National Planning
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to climate-informed planning and sustainable national development with the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
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Speaking at the unveiling held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), described the SCP as a strategic national tool that translates climate science into practical guidance for government institutions, businesses and citizens.
He noted that the annual presentation of the SCP has evolved into a key national reference point, with testimonies from both public and private sector stakeholders on how NiMet’s early warning systems have improved agricultural productivity and strengthened disaster risk reduction efforts.
“Climate variability and climate change are no longer distant threats; they are daily realities shaping aviation safety, food security, infrastructure development, national security and economic decisions. Timely and accurate weather and climate information is now a strategic enabler of good governance and sustainable development,” the Minister stated.
Keyamo explained that the SCP aligns with the priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting economic stability, food security, infrastructure resilience, climate adaptation and the protection of lives and livelihoods.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for NiMet, stressing that safe and efficient aviation operations depend heavily on reliable meteorological services, while accurate climate data remains crucial for broader national planning and economic growth.
Tracing the history of meteorological observations in Nigeria to 1886, the Minister commended NiMet for its sustained service delivery across critical sectors including aviation, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, water resources management, health, energy and transportation.
Presenting highlights of the 2026 forecast, Keyamo revealed that early rainfall onset is expected in parts of the South and Middle Belt, while late onset is projected in Borno State. He added that projections on rainfall cessation, length of the rainy season, dry spells, the Little Dry Season (August Break), and temperature patterns indicate that most parts of the country will experience normal annual rainfall, with pockets of above-normal and below-normal rainfall in some states.
He warned that development initiatives not guided by credible climate data remain vulnerable and unsustainable, calling for sustained investment in climate science, capacity building and effective dissemination of climate information at federal, state and local levels.
The Minister also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), state governments, academia, the private sector, development partners and the media to actively support the dissemination and application of the 2026 SCP, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to empower NiMet as a centre of excellence in weather and climate services.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, described the 2026 SCP as a vital instrument for sustainable growth and national resilience. He said the forecast goes beyond scientific projections, serving as a strategic resource that equips policymakers and stakeholders with credible climate information for informed decision-making.
“In a climate-sensitive country like Nigeria, seasonal forecasts play a vital role in aviation, agriculture, water resources management, disaster risk reduction, public health, transportation, energy and infrastructure development,” he said.
Kofarmata commended NiMet for its consistent commitment to delivering climate science for sustainable development, noting that the increasing intensity of climate variability and extreme weather events makes the application of climate science indispensable.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Professor Charles Anosike, described the SCP as a critical national tool for managing the growing impacts of climate variability and extreme weather.
Anosike disclosed that NiMet has strengthened its operational capacity through the adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve forecasting accuracy and service delivery. He revealed that the Agency has constituted a dedicated team of experts to integrate and operationalise AI in its forecasting processes.
He acknowledged the foundational contributions of NiMet’s pioneer Director-General, Chief Lihwu Eugene Akeh, and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Minister for sustained support toward climate-smart, data-driven development.
According to him, NiMet has established partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations to downscale seasonal climate information for local farmers across several states, while efforts are ongoing to expand digital climate advisory services in collaboration with local and international partners.
He called on state governments to deepen collaboration with NiMet to enhance the localisation and dissemination of the 2026 SCP.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to providing timely, accurate and reliable weather and climate information to support a resilient and sustainable Nigerian economy,” Anosike assured.
The event attracted meteorologists, climatologists, policymakers, farmers, emergency managers, private sector operators, civil society groups, development partners and members of the international community, who described the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction as a critical national resource for informed planning and sustainable development.
FG Unveils 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, Reaffirms Commitment to Climate-Smart National Planning