Federal Government to Strengthen Meteorological Services for Sustainable National Development
NiMet’s 2026 Forecast to Guide Economic Decision-Making
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing meteorological services as a critical driver for sustainable national development and economic resilience. Speaking at the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, emphasized that climate science is essential for informed decision-making across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Climate Science as a Tool for Action
The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, produced by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), serves as an early warning tool designed to translate complex atmospheric signals into actionable guidance. Minister Keyamo described the SCP as a primary example of "science for action," directly aligning with the present administration's priorities to safeguard lives and enhance productivity.
“As the Minister in charge of meteorology, I recognize that safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation cannot exist without reliable meteorological input,” Keyamo stated. He added that beyond air safety, the government aims to build an aviation industry capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing population and broader economic development.
NiMet’s Role in National Security and Stability
For over 140 years dating back to the establishment of Nigeria’s first weather observing station in 1886—meteorological science in the country has evolved from basic observation into a sophisticated value chain. NiMet remains at the center of this architecture, providing data that supports:
Aviation Safety: Safeguarding flight operations through precise weather reporting.
Agriculture and Food Security: Providing farmers with planting windows and rainfall predictions to optimize yields.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Identifying potential flooding or drought risks to enable early intervention by emergency services.
Water and Energy Management: Assisting in the planning of hydroelectric power and irrigation systems.
2026 Climate Drivers and Outlook
According to the Minister, the 2026 forecast was developed using global best practices, incorporating key climate drivers such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
Current indicators suggest a predominantly neutral ENSO phase for 2026. This phase has specific implications for rainfall distribution and temperature patterns nationwide, necessitating proactive risk management in both the public and private sectors. Keyamo noted that the scientific robustness of the SCP makes it a trusted reference for policy formulation and investment planning.
The Federal Government’s focus on strengthening NiMet underscores the growing recognition of climate data as a vital national asset. By integrating meteorological insights into national planning, the administration seeks to build a more resilient economy capable of mitigating the impacts of climate variability. Stakeholders across the agricultural, transport, and energy sectors are encouraged to utilize the 2026 SCP to optimize their operations and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term sustainable growth.
