The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) presented its highly anticipated 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, in Abuja. The forecasted data indicates a delay in rainfall for certain regions of the country, with Borno, Abia, and Akwa Ibom expected to experience an early onset of rainy conditions.
Under the theme “Facilitating a Weather-Resilient Economy Through Early Warnings for All to Foster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development,” the 2024 SCP was introduced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN.
NiMet forecasts an early conclusion of the rainy season in parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Lagos states. Conversely, a late cessation of rainfall is predicted for southern states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, and select areas of Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, and Kaduna.
The Minister revealed that the SCP also encompasses detailed temperature predictions for the initial five months of the year, forecasts for dry spells and brief dry seasons, as well as projections for malaria and meningitis outbreaks.
Furthermore, the document predicts below-normal annual rainfall amounts for certain regions, including parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa states, in comparison to their long-term averages. However, normal to above-normal rainfall is anticipated for other parts of the country.
While most regions are expected to experience a shorter rainy season, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom are likely to encounter a longer duration compared to their historical averages. Normal to shorter rainy seasons are predicted for other areas.
The Minister emphasized that the 2024 SCP has been condensed for policymakers and translated into local languages, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, to ensure widespread accessibility.
He urged stakeholders to meticulously assess the predictions to fortify adaptive capacity and resilience against climate variability within their respective sectors, facilitating effective planning, resource allocation, and citizen protection against adverse weather impacts.
In virtual remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, underscored climate change and food crisis as critical challenges facing the nation, emphasizing the importance of heeding NiMet’s predictions.
Addressing attendees, Mr. Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the significance of the event in light of evolving climatic patterns and their consequential impacts on lives, property, and livelihoods.
Professor Charles Anosike, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to excellence, emphasizing the pivotal role of accurate weather prediction in national well-being. He emphasized NiMet’s tradition of delivering the SCP early in the year as a testament to this commitment.
