NiMet Engages Stakeholders in Workshop Ahead of 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction Unveiling
In preparation for the public unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) convened a stakeholder workshop on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Abuja.
The event brought together representatives from various sectors to deliberate on the socio-economic implications of the SCP and refine its content for the coming year.
The SCP, an annual document released by NiMet, is widely recognised for its contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, providing critical insights to guide decision-making in agriculture, aviation, disaster management, and other sectors.
In his welcome address, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Charles Anosike, highlighted the importance of stakeholder input in the SCP production process.
He noted that NiMet is committed to “climate-proofing” the economy through timely weather and climate information.
“Over the years, the SCP has evolved in scope, including the concept of co-development, which is supported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This approach allows critical stakeholders to participate in the production process, thereby enhancing the accuracy, relevance, and ownership of the information generated,” Anosike said.
He urged attendees to reflect on the socio-economic impacts of the 2024 predictions and use their experiences to shape robust advisories for the 2025 SCP.
“This will improve livelihoods, secure the nation’s food security status, and build resilience against climate-related challenges,” he added.
Dr. Bernard Gomez, the WMO representative in Nigeria, commended NiMet’s leadership in climate forecasting.
Speaking through Dr. Rowland Abah, he praised NiMet for its over a decade of SCP releases, noting that the agency’s expertise now extends to supporting other African nations in developing their forecasts.
“NiMet’s capacity and leadership in this regard are highly commendable,” he said.
The workshop also marked a milestone in inclusivity. Bilkisu Yakubu, representing the Executive Director of Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), lauded NiMet and Professor Anosike for fostering an inclusive environment.
“It is the first time in Nigeria’s history that people with disabilities are actively included in this process. Prof. Anosike is truly an ambassador for inclusivity, particularly in addressing climate change,” she said.
The forum served as a feedback mechanism to ensure that the final SCP aligns with stakeholder expectations.
The document, which provides weather and climate predictions, is scheduled for public release in late January 2025, pending final approval from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Participants in the workshop included representatives from organisations such as the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Other stakeholders included the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Harvest Plus, and Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), among others.
As NiMet continues to champion evidence-based climate solutions, the 2025 SCP is anticipated to further solidify its role as a critical tool for national planning and resilience-building.
