The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) convened a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on December 17, 2024, to deliberate on the socio-economic impact of the upcoming 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The workshop serves as a preparatory step for the public presentation of the SCP scheduled for January 2025.
Addressing participants, NiMet’s Director General and CEO, Prof. Charles Anosike, highlighted the agency’s commitment to equipping Nigeria’s economy against climate-related challenges through timely and accurate climate information. He emphasized the integration of a co-development approach supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), enabling stakeholders to participate in the SCP production process and co-own the resulting forecasts.
Reflecting on the importance of feedback, Prof. Anosike urged participants to review the outcomes of the 2024 SCP and contribute insights to enhance the 2025 prediction. “Let us use our experiences to generate robust advisories that improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and boost resilience across the nation,” he stated.
Commending NiMet’s leadership in weather and climate services, WMO representative Dr. Bernard Gomez, through Dr. Rowland Abah, acknowledged NiMet’s role in supporting other African countries in developing their forecasting capabilities. Similarly, Bilkisu Yakubu of Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) praised the agency’s inclusive approach, calling Prof. Anosike a champion of accessibility in climate initiatives.
Participants included representatives from key ministries, agencies, and organizations such as WMO, NEMA, NCDC, NIHSA, NAERLS, and the Federal Ministries of Aviation, Agriculture, and Food Security. Non-governmental organizations, including HEDA and AWWDI, were also present. The SCP document is set for release pending final approval from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
This forum underscores NiMet’s ongoing efforts to ensure its climate predictions remain relevant, inclusive, and actionable across diverse sectors of the economy.
