Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)said it has hosted a stakeholders’ meeting to validate its draft 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), aimed at supporting climate action across the nation.
The meeting on Wednesday brought together representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Environment, aviation, agriculture, water resources, disaster management, health, humanitarian agencies, and other sectors to review and refine the nation’s climate outlook for the coming year.
NiMet Director-General Prof. Charles Anosike, described the SCP as “not just a scientific exercise, but a vital tool for decision making across aviation, agriculture, water resources, health, disaster risk reduction, and more.”
He emphasized that stakeholder contributions ensure forecasts are practical, relevant, and responsive to community needs.
Prof. Anosike further stressed that collective action is critical in addressing climate variability and extreme weather events, noting that accurate climate information protects lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
World Meteorological Organisation Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Roland Abah, commended NiMet for aligning its SCP process with global best practices, highlighting its focus on user engagement and co-production.
Abah described the SCP as a credible instrument for enhancing climate resilience.
Other speakers praised NiMet’s consistency in providing reliable climate data. Mr. Babatunde Ojei, Country Director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), emphasized the SCP’s value in humanitarian planning and anticipatory response.
Hajiya Maimuna Lawal of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) noted that the forecasts are “highly practical and farmer friendly,” particularly aiding smallholder women farmers in making informed planting decisions.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Mr. Jonah D. Barde lauded NiMet’s timely climate updates and digital innovations, highlighting their role in improving transparency, efficiency, and supporting Nigeria’s climate finance and carbon credit initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of NiMet’s commitment to delivering actionable, inclusive, and sector responsive climate services. Stakeholders are expected to provide technical inputs to further strengthen the 2026 SCP, advancing sustainable development and nationwide risk reduction efforts.
