Yemisi Izuora
Operators and stakeholders in the critical sectors of the economy would soon be informed about weather conditions and patterns as it affects their various operational activities.
In particular Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) will release weather forecasts for key sectors like Agriculture, Aviation, Disaster Risk Management, Health, Oil & Gas, Telecommunication, Tourism, Transport (Water and Land), Power (hydro and renewable), Water Resources Management etc.
Planned to be unveiled on Tuesday, 4th February 2025 when the Agency will present the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) to the public, operators in the aforementioned areas will be able to determine investment actions and plans for the year.
The theme this year is ‘The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’.
The NiMet predicts and publishes the expected annual pattern of climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature in Nigeria in the first quarter of each year. This is in pursuance of its mandate of advising the Government and the public on all aspects of weather, climate, and water-related matters.
According to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike; “The Seasonal Climate Prediction highlights vital Weather and Climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in the following sectors during the year: Agriculture, Aviation, Disaster Risk Management, Health, Oil & Gas, Telecommunication, Tourism, Transport (Water and Land), Power (hydro and renewable), Water Resources Management etc”.
“The socioeconomic implications of the expected rainfall and temperature patterns for some sectors of the economy are also presented in the publication”, Professor Anosike concluded.
The forecast information provided in the SCP document includes the onset and cessation dates of the 2025 rainy season; the length of the cropping season; the total amount of rainfall expected in all the 774 Local Government Areas of the Country; temperature (January – May) as well as Malaria and Meningitis vigilance forecast.
The Seasonal Climate Prediction document is a national document and the public presentation attracts guests from the public and private sectors, development partners, non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic community, farmers associations, etc.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, will perform the presentation of the publication alongside its summary for policymakers and translations in three (3) major Nigerian languages, and State of the Climate in Nigeria.