By Francesca Hangeior

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, forecasting early rainfall in many southern states.

The minister made this announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the official presentation of the 2025 SCP.

The document predicts that most parts of the country will experience significant rainfall at the beginning of 2025, with some rains likely arriving before the expected onset.

Keyamo said, “The onset of rain is predicted to be delayed over the northern and central states, including Plateau, as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara. Meanwhile, early onset is expected in the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. The rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset.

“An earlier-than-average end to the rainy season is predicted in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states.

However, a delayed end is expected in parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu.”

The prediction also warns of a severe dry spell lasting over 15 days in Oyo State and up to 21 days in parts of northern Nigeria during the June-July-August season.

“The little dry season, known as the ‘August break,’ is expected to begin in late July and will be severe in parts of Lagos and Ogun states, with 27 to 40 days of little or no rainfall.

“In line with the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative, this prediction serves as an early warning tool for stakeholders, governments at all levels, and the general public to prepare for potential hazards associated with excessive or deficient rainfall, floods, extreme temperatures, and dry spells across the country,” the minister added.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Kana, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to making climate information accessible to all Nigerians.

“Today’s session is particularly special because it represents our dedication to public engagement, ensuring that the knowledge we generate benefits communities across all 36 states of the federation and the FCT,” he said.

He also noted that a summary of the SCP for policymakers, translations into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, and a comprehensive report on Nigeria’s 2024 climate demonstrate NiMet’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, stressed that the SCP is time-sensitive and requires immediate action from stakeholders.

“As with all weather and climate predictions, the Seasonal Climate Prediction is perishable and requires stakeholders to use the information promptly, implement necessary measures, and provide feedback for evaluation and improvement,” he noted.