NiMet’s SCP 2024: Keyamo calls for accelerated actions in risk management 

Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for accelerated actions in risk reduction and management, highlighting the significance of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). 

In his keynote address delivered at the unveiling of the 2024 SCP document in Abuja on Tuesday, Keyamo underscored the critical role of climate forecasts in guiding decision-making processes across the nation.

He emphasised the SCP’s role as a vital tool providing essential information to sectors such as aviation, agriculture, maritime, water resources, and disaster risk management.

“As we are all aware, weather and climate have profound effects on aviation, agriculture, maritime and blue economy, water resources, natural resources, energy, disaster risk management,infrastructure investments, among others. 

“Reliable meteorological information is, therefore, essential for supporting food security, reducing risks, improving livelihoods, and building resilience against the vagaries of weather,” said Keyamo.

According to him, the SCP offers insights into crucial aspects like growing season, rainfall patterns, temperature forecasts, and disease vigilance, facilitating holistic planning for individuals, businesses, and governments.

Against the backdrop of an escalating global climate crisis, Keyamo stressed the significance of accurate predictions and informed decision-making to adapt and mitigate climate change impacts.

He said recent years have witnessed an alarming increase in extreme weather events, with 2023 marked as the hottest year on record globally, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive initiatives.

“The SCP contains essential information such as the predicted start and end dates of the growing season, the length of the growing season, the expected amount of annual rainfall, the temperature forecast, malaria and meningitis vigilance and the forecast for dry spells and little dry season. 

“It also includes socio-economic implications of the prediction. Thus, enabling individuals, businesses, and governments to plan holistically for the future. 

“In the face of the global climate crisis, the work of NiMet has become increasingly crucial. Our ability to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change rests on the foundation of accurate predictions and informed decision-making. 

“The SCP, which is a tool of commitment to excellence in climate science, emphasises the Agency’s dedication to ensuring the resilience and sustainable development of our dear nation,” the Minister enthused.

Highlighting the impact of SCP on Food Security, the Minister emphasised the nexus between climate change and food security, referencing recent global commitments to address sustainability and resilience in the food production and processing system.

He stressed the SCP’s contribution to building a more resilient and sustainable future amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

Drawing from his expertise in aviation, Keyamo emphasised the pivotal role of weather forecasts in ensuring flight safety and operational efficiency.

He said continuous investments in meteorological infrastructure by NiMet aims to enhance aviation-specific weather services, facilitating safer and more efficient air transport operations.

“As the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I fully understand the impacts of weather on the aviation industry. Flight safety and efficient air transport operations are hugely dependent on accurate weather forecasts, advisories, and early warnings. 

“Through continuous investments in meteorological weather stations, satellite data, and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), NiMet has continued to enhance aviation-specific weather services. 

“The aviation industry looks forward to continued collaboration with NiMet and the meteorological community, to utilise weather information for planning flight operations, aircraft routing, and scheduling among other applications,” Keyamo noted.

Notable highlights of the 2024 SCP document indicates that the onset of rains may be delayed in some parts of the country, especially in the North Central states. 

However, the northern states are likely to experience a normal onset; Borno, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states may have an early onset compared to their averages, as the rainy season may end early in certain states but could be delayed in others, with below-normal rainfall predicted in some areas. 

Overall, most parts of the country are expected to have a shorter rainy season, except for Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, where it may last longer.

Keyamo urged stakeholders to evaluate the predictions strategically, fostering adaptive capacity and resilience within their respective sectors, adding that the SCP serves as a roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and communities to navigate the upcoming seasons, aligning with the nation’s Renewed Hope Agenda.