By Ada Nkong
High intensity rainfall in May-June this year is likely to result in flash floods in the Coastal Cities according to NiMet.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during the 2025 Annual Public Presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction by Nigerian Meteorological Agency with the theme ‘ The Role of Early Warning Towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Development ‘.
While unveiling the Seasonal Climate Prediction for 2025 ,the Minister noted that according to ICAO, while turbulence have long been a leading cause of injuries in-flight, scientific evidence suggests that there may be more severe weather patterns brought about by climate change which could lead to more turbulence-related accidents, this highlights the increasing negative impact of weather and climate on the aviation industry”.
“Early warning systems, backed by robust climate predictions, are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring safety, efficiency and sustainability of air navigation business”.
He further said ‘ timely climate predictions will enable, inter alia; farmers to optimize farming schedules thereby improving the nation’s food system security; disaster managers to prepare for emergencies and minimise risks; and health authorities to anticipate disease outbreaks linked to weather and climate variations’.
While unveiling the SCP documents being presented to the public by NiMet, Keyamo said normal annual rainfall is anticipated in most parts of Nigeria while coastal cities May experience flash floods due to higher than normal rainfall in May-June.
“The onset of rain is predicted to be delayed over the northern and central states of Plateau as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara. While early onset is expected over the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. The rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset”.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Aviation Dr Ibrahim in his welcome address said the SCP will be available in Yoruba,Hausa and Ibo stressed the relevance of the document.
“NiMet has meticulously developed this year’s SCP to provide critical climate-related predictions that will significantly impact various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, telecommunications, transportation, water resources, health, and disaster risk management among others. This document is more than a prediction; it is a strategic early warning tool for decision-making that empowers individuals, businesses, and governments to plan effectively”.
The Director General NiMet Prof. Charles Anosike called on the public to uptake the SCP, utilize it and provide evaluation and feedback to aid NiMet improve on the document.
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