The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled Nigeria’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), a forecast document expected to guide decisions across agriculture, aviation, infrastructure and disaster management in the year ahead.
During an event by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, the Minister, said the annual forecast provides structured climate information for public and private sector use. He stated that weather variability and climate change continue to influence aviation operations, food production, infrastructure planning and broader economic decisions, making accurate and timely meteorological data central to national development.
According to the 2026 forecast, parts of the South and the Middle Belt are expected to experience early rainfall onset, while late onset is projected for Borno State. The outlook also provides projections on rainfall cessation, the length of the rainy season, dry spells, the August break and temperature patterns. NiMet indicated that most parts of the country are likely to record normal annual rainfall totals, with some areas expected to experience above-normal or below-normal rainfall.
Keyamo said the forecast aligns with federal development priorities, including economic stability, food security and infrastructure resilience. He added that aviation safety and efficiency depend on reliable meteorological services and noted that structured climate data remains relevant to long-term planning across sectors.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, described the seasonal prediction as a planning resource for policymakers and stakeholders in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water resources, transportation, public health and energy. He stated that seasonal forecasts contribute to preparedness and national resilience.
NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, said the agency has expanded its operational capacity, including the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to improve forecasting processes. He disclosed that a dedicated technical team has been established to integrate AI into forecasting operations and service delivery.
Anosike also said NiMet has strengthened partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations to provide localised climate information to farmers and other end users. He added that efforts are ongoing to expand digital advisory services and called on state governments to collaborate with the agency to enhance dissemination of the 2026 outlook.
The presentation was attended by meteorologists, policymakers, emergency managers, private sector representatives, farmers and development partners.
