By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced renewed efforts to strengthen meteorological services as a key driver of sustainable national development and climate resilience across the country.
The commitment was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction in Abuja on February 10, 2026.
Keyamo said the strong presence of government officials at the event demonstrated the administration’s readiness to deploy climate science and early warning systems to support economic planning and public safety.
He described the Seasonal Climate Prediction as a practical example of how scientific knowledge can be translated into clear and actionable guidance for decision-makers across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy.
According to the minister, reliable meteorological data is essential not only for aviation safety but also for building a sustainable aviation industry capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing population and economic expansion.
He noted that accurate weather and climate information remains critical for strengthening national resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s continued support for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, stressing that access to high-quality climate services is vital for the well-being of citizens and the stability of key industries.
He highlighted that the credibility of Nigeria’s climate forecasting is built on over a century of scientific progress, beginning with the establishment of the country’s first weather observation station in 1886.
Over the decades, he said meteorology in Nigeria has evolved into an efficient system delivering essential weather and climate services across sectors.
The minister emphasized that NiMet plays a central role in safeguarding aviation operations while also supporting agriculture, water resources management, disaster risk reduction, health services, energy planning and transportation.
He commended the agency for consistently fulfilling its mandate and contributing to national development for more than 100 years.
Keyamo explained that the 2026 climate outlook was developed using major global climate drivers, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
He revealed that current indicators point to a largely neutral ENSO phase in 2026, which is expected to influence rainfall patterns, temperature trends and sector-specific climate risks across Nigeria.
The minister added that the Seasonal Climate Prediction follows global best practices by combining advanced meteorological science with long-term climate data and internationally recognized forecasting methods.
He said the scientific strength of the forecast makes it a reliable tool for policy formulation, investment planning and risk management in both public and private sectors.
According to Keyamo, strengthening meteorology is not just about weather forecasting but about empowering farmers, businesses, emergency responders and policymakers with information that can save lives and boost economic productivity.
He concluded that by investing in climate science and early warning systems, Nigeria is positioning itself to better adapt to climate variability and drive sustainable development nationwide.