NiMet Forecasts Early Rainfall Across Nigeria as Aviation Minister Launches 2025 Climate Report

By Iyojo Ameh

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has unveiled the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) report by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), forecasting early rainfall across parts of the country.

The report, themed “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” highlights significant weather patterns expected in 2025. According to NiMet, while some northern and central states—including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara—will experience delayed rainfall onset, early rains are expected in southern states such as Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi.

Similarly, the rainy season is predicted to end earlier than usual in states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo. Conversely, states like Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu may experience a delayed end to the rains.

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Minister Keyamo emphasized the importance of the SCP as a decision-making tool for various sectors. “This document provides critical insights into expected weather patterns, helping sectors such as agriculture, disaster risk management, health, marine operations, transport, and aviation to plan ahead, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities,” he stated.

Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the government’s commitment to accessibility by ensuring the SCP is available in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin languages. He noted that the report’s distribution across all 36 states and the FCT underscores efforts to reach even the most remote communities.

NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed the need for stakeholders to actively engage with the predictions. “Like all weather forecasts, the SCP is perishable. It must be utilized promptly, and feedback should be provided for continuous improvement,” he said.

The event saw the attendance of key stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, state governors, and representatives from various sectors. Professor Anosike acknowledged their support and urged state governments to integrate the SCP into local climate adaptation strategies.

The launch of the 2025 SCP shows Nigeria’s efforts to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness, ensuring informed planning across critical sectors.