NiMet Dismisses N5 Trillion Loss Claims, Defends Accuracy of Weather Forecasts
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has strongly refuted reports alleging that Nigerian farmers lost nearly N5 trillion due to poor weather forecasts, describing the claims as false, alarmist and unsupported by any credible data.
In a rejoinder issued on Monday, NiMet reacted to publications by The Nation newspaper of February 2, 2026, and Daily Trust of February 3, 2026, which quoted a group identified as the Foundation for Peace Professionals as claiming that farmers suffered massive losses allegedly linked to NiMet’s forecasts.
According to the Agency, the assertion that farmers lost “nearly N5 trillion” in productive capital over a 24-month period due largely to NiMet’s weather information is a campaign of calumny built on deliberate falsehoods, with no verifiable evidence, transparent methodology or independent assessment to substantiate it.
NiMet emphasised that it has a legacy of over 140 years in providing credible and reliable weather and climate services to Nigeria, supporting policy planning and operational decision-making across key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture.
The Agency noted that for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, its forecasts were widely assessed by development partners, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stakeholders and farmers across the geopolitical zones, with accuracy levels reportedly exceeding 90 per cent, well above the internationally accepted 60 per cent benchmark.
NiMet explained that its Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCPs), Early Warning Alerts and location-specific agro-advisories have consistently helped farmers make informed decisions on planting schedules, crop choices, irrigation management and climate risk mitigation.
These services, the Agency said, are disseminated through state governments, agricultural extension services, traditional and digital media platforms, as well as direct digital channels.
Backing its position with sectoral data, NiMet cited the executive summary of the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance in Nigeria, a comprehensive survey conducted through collaboration among key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
These included research institutes, regulatory bodies, commodity associations, federal and state ministries of agriculture and livestock development, and agencies such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report revealed that Nigeria’s agricultural sector recorded notable improvements, with increases in both crop yields and livestock production. Output of major staples including rice, maize, cowpea, yam, cassava and groundnut rose above 2024 levels, while food prices declined across all zones, indicating improved supply and the effectiveness of ongoing interventions.
The survey further affirmed that agriculture remains a critical pillar of national stability and economic growth, contributing significantly to food security and livelihoods.
Reaffirming its mandate, NiMet stated that it remains fully committed to supporting national food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development.
The Agency stressed that it would not be distracted by sensational narratives and called on stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media to engage responsibly, constructively and factually on issues of national importance.
The statement was signed by Rabiatu Lawal Ado, Acting Head of the Public Relations Unit, Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
