The Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has revealed that the 2024 onset of rains is predicted to be delayed in some parts of the country, especially the North Central states of the country.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo while who revealed this at the public presentation of the 2024 SCP organised by NiMet on Tuesday in Abuja further said a normal onset is likely to occur over the northern states.
The conference was themed : ” Facilitating a weather resilient economy through early warnings for all to foster renewed hope and sustainable development”.
He said Borno, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states are predicted to have an early onset when compared to their long-term averages.
According to him, an early end of the season is predicted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Lagos states.
He further said a late cessation is predicted over the southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo,
Ekiti, and parts of Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, FCT, Niger, and Kaduna states.
Keyamo said a annual rainfall amount is predicted to be below normal over parts of i Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta and Bayelsa states when compared to their long term normal.
“However, other parts of the country are likely to observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall amounts.
“Most parts of the country are expected to experience a shorter length of season, however, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa-Ibom are likely to experience a longer length of season when compared with their mean. Normal to shorter length of season will likely occur in other parts of the country.
According to the minister, the Annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document is one of the flagship products of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, providing critical information to help guide decision-making across all sectors of our economy.
He said the 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,” he said.
Also, the Chairman of Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon Abiodun Akinlade said the importance of NiMet can not be overemphasized and they will work with them to give them all the necessary supports needed .
He lauded NiMet for the successful 2024 SCP stating that the event was apt and very useful in all sectors across the country.
Also, the Director General/CEO NiMet and Permanent Representative of Nigeria with World Meteorological Organization (NiMEt), Prof Charlse Anosike urged everyone to take all these predictions, disseminate them and make timely and positive use of them in our various sectors.
He said this is our commitment to ‘Facilitating a weather-resilient economy through early warnings for all to foster renewed hope and sustainable development’ and this should be at the forefront of our planning and economic agenda.
