He highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on aviation and other critical sectors, stressing the importance of early warning systems.
By Sahara Reporters
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), warning of a late onset of rainfall in many parts of the country, extreme weather conditions, and potential flash floods in coastal cities.
The report was officially presented in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, who emphasised the theme: “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development.”
He highlighted the increasing impact of climate change on aviation and other critical sectors, stressing the importance of early warning systems.
According to the minister, the SCP serves as a crucial tool for decision-makers across agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, and disaster management. He urged Nigerians, particularly those in climate-sensitive industries, to consult NiMet’s detailed predictions for accurate weather guidance.
“Key Predictions for 2025 include Delayed Rainfall Onset: Northern and central states—including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara—will experience a late start to the rainy season.
“However, early rainfall is expected in the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. Other areas will see normal rainfall patterns.
“Earlier Rainfall End: The rainy season is expected to end earlier than usual in Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo. However, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu will see a delayed end to rainfall.
“Annual Rainfall Trends: Most parts of the country will experience normal to below-average rainfall, except for Kebbi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and the FCT, where above-normal rainfall is predicted.
“Flash Flood Risks: High-intensity rainfall in May and June could lead to flash floods in coastal cities.
“Dry Spells: A severe dry spell of over 15 days is expected in Oyo State, particularly in Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomosho, and Atisbo. Moderate dry spells (up to 15 days) will affect Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom. Northern states could face even longer dry spells, lasting up to 21 days between June and August.
“August Break: The brief period of little or no rainfall will begin in late July. Severe conditions are predicted in Lagos and Ogun, with 27 to 40 rain-free days, while Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti will experience moderate effects. Lighter effects are expected in Osun, Oyo, Kwara, and northern Ondo.
“Temperature Outlook: 2025 is expected to be hotter than average, with rising temperatures in January, February, March, and May. April may bring slight relief, but intense heat is forecast for northern states.”
NiMet emphasised that the SCP aligns with the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative and serves as a critical resource for policymakers and the public to mitigate climate-related risks.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to climate resilience and commended President Bola Tinubu’s support for NiMet’s initiatives.
NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude to key government officials, including the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, for their continued support.
He stressed the importance of collaboration in ensuring that climate predictions reach all communities, especially those vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
To enhance accessibility, NiMet has made the 2025 SCP available in four major languages—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin English—ensuring that vital climate information is widely disseminated across the country.
NiMet urged Nigerians, particularly farmers, aviation stakeholders, and disaster management agencies, to stay informed and take necessary precautions based on the SCP’s predictions. The agency reiterated its commitment to providing timely and accurate weather updates to support national development and disaster preparedness.