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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Federal Government has unveiled the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), reaffirming its commitment to climate-informed planning and sustainable national development.
The public presentation of the SCP, organised by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), was held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, and attracted key stakeholders across government, academia, the private sector and development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the SCP as a strategic national tool that translates climate science into actionable guidance for government institutions, businesses and citizens.
Keyamo said climate variability and change are already shaping critical sectors such as aviation safety, food security, infrastructure development and national security, stressing that timely and accurate climate information has become essential for good governance and sustainable development.
He noted that the SCP aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly in areas of economic stability, climate adaptation, food security and infrastructure resilience.
Presenting highlights of the 2026 SCP, the minister disclosed that early rainfall onset is expected in parts of the South and Middle Belt, while late onset is anticipated in Borno State.
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He added that most parts of the country will experience normal annual rainfall, with pockets of above-normal and below-normal rainfall across some states.
Keyamo emphasised that development efforts not guided by credible climate information remain vulnerable and unsustainable, calling for increased investment in climate science, capacity development and effective dissemination of climate data at all levels of government.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, described the SCP as a critical national resource for sustainable growth and resilience, noting its importance for aviation, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, public health and infrastructure planning.
Also speaking, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Charles Anosike, said the Agency has adopted emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance forecasting accuracy.
Anosike disclosed that NiMet has constituted a dedicated team to integrate AI into its operations and continues to partner with government and non-governmental organisations to provide localised climate information for farmers and other stakeholders.
He called on state governments to collaborate with NiMet to ensure wider dissemination and application of the 2026 SCP across the country.
The event drew participants from various sectors, including meteorologists, policymakers, farmers, emergency managers and development partners, who commended the SCP as a vital national tool for addressing climate risks.
