Keyamo Launches 2026 Seasonal Climate Change… Says it is a strategic tool that translates climate science into actionable guidance 

Oru Leonard 

Federal Government of Nigeria 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).

Speaking at the event organised by NiMet at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, the Honourable 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, the private sector and citizens.

Keyamo noted that the annual SCP presentation has become a critical national reference, with clear testimonies from government institutions and private sector operators on how NiMet’s early warning products have enhanced 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,” he stated.

He emphasized that the SCP aligns directly with the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, particularly in the areas of economic stability, food security, infrastructure resilience, climate adaptation, and the protection of lives and livelihoods.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s support for NiMet, Keyamo stressed that safe, efficient and sustainable aviation operations depend on reliable metreological services, while climate data remains essential for broader national planning and economic growth.

Highlighting NiMet’s long history, he traced the foundation of meteorological observations in Nigeria to 1886, commending the Agency for its consistent delivery of services across aviation safety, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, water resources management, health, energy and transportation.

Presenting highlights of the 2026 SCP, the Minister explained that early rainfall onset is expected in parts of the South and Middle Belt, while late onset is anticipated in Borno State. 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 across some states.

He stressed that development efforts not guided by credible climate information remain vulnerable and unsustainable, calling for sustained investment in climate science, human capacity development and effective dissemination of climate information at federal, state and local government levels.

Keyamo 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.

He said Federal Government will continue empowering NiMet as a centre of excellence in weather and climate services, and as a trusted provider of scientific guidance for national development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, described the 2026 SCP as a critical tool for sustainable growth and national resilience.

He stated that the SCP goes beyond a scientific forecast, serving as a strategic national resource that equips policymakers, planners and stakeholders with credible, actionable 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.

He commended NiMet for its sustained 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 for protecting livelihoods, safeguarding investments and achieving long-term socio-economic growth.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Professor Charles Anosike, described the SCP as a critical national tool for addressing the growing impacts of climate variability and extreme weather events.

Anosike disclosed that NiMet has continued to strengthen its operational capacity through the adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance forecasting accuracy and service delivery. He revealed that the Agency has recently constituted a dedicated team of experts to integrate and operationalise AI in its forecasting operations.

He acknowledged the foundational role of NiMet’s pioneer Director-General/CEO, Chief Lihwu Eugene Akeh, and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, particularly the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for sustained support in advancing climate-smart, data-driven development initiatives.

He further revealed that the Agency has established strong 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 partner with NiMet to enhance the dissemination and localisation of the 2026 SCP across more states.“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to providing timely, accurate and reliable weather and climate information to support a resilient and sustainable Nigerian economy,” he assured.

The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including meteorologists, climatologists, policymakers, farmers, emergency managers, private sector operators, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the international community, who commended the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction as a vital national resource.