The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has underscored the critical role of early warning systems in ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s aviation sector and broader socio-economic stability. Speaking at the public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) at the NAF Conference Center in Abuja, the Minister emphasized the growing impact of climate change on aviation and other key sectors.
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister commended NiMET for its dedication to providing accurate and actionable climate data, describing the SCP as an invaluable tool for risk mitigation and decision-making across various industries. He stressed that the theme of this year’s presentation—“The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate-Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development”—was timely given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events that threaten global air travel.
“Aviation is a weather-sensitive sector where decisions on flight plans, takeoff, and landing are made based on weather conditions. Reports indicate that global flight delays due to adverse weather increased from 11% in 2012 to 30% in 2023. More turbulence-related accidents are also expected due to worsening weather conditions brought about by climate change,” Keyamo stated.
The Minister highlighted thunderstorms, squalls, wind shears, heavy rainfall, flash floods, sandstorms, dust haze, and fog as some of the major meteorological challenges facing the aviation industry. He noted that these factors contribute to flight delays, economic losses, and even casualties, reinforcing the need for robust climate predictions to enhance air travel safety.
He stressed that NiMET’s SCP serves as a vital early warning system, equipping aviation stakeholders and other sectors with the information needed to anticipate and adapt to climatic variations. The SCP not only ensures uninterrupted operations in aviation but also safeguards lives, property, and the economy.
The Minister highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits of the SCP, stating that its accurate predictions will enable farmers to optimize planting and harvesting schedules, enhancing food security, disaster managers, will also be able to prepare for extreme weather events, reducing casualties and economic losses and health authorities to anticipate disease outbreaks linked to climate variations.
“Over recent years, we have seen unprecedented weather patterns that have tested our preparedness and resilience. We must remain proactive by investing in sustainable practices, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable communities,” he said.
The Minister urged all government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, researchers, and the media to champion the use of the SCP in decision-making processes, stating that collaboration and information sharing will be key to maximizing its impact.
The Minister also rolled out Key Predictions for 2025
NiMET’s SCP and outlines significant climate trends that will affect Nigeria in the coming year. Among the key highlights:
Delayed onset of rains in northern and central states, including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara.
Early rainfall onset in southern states, such as Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi.
Shorter rainy seasons expected in Borno and Yobe, while Lagos and Nasarawa may experience longer-than-normal rainy seasons.
Normal to below-normal rainfall predicted for most parts of the country, with above-normal rainfall expected in Kebbi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and the FCT.
Flash floods expected in coastal cities during high-intensity rainfall in May-June.
Severe dry spells (15+ days) likely in Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in April-May-June.
The ‘August Break’ (Little Dry Season) will begin in late July, with severe effects in Lagos and Ogun (lasting 27-40 days).
Higher-than-normal temperatures predicted nationwide in January, February, March, and May, while April is expected to be cooler than normal.
In alignment with the United Nations Early Warnings for All Initiative, Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging NiMET’s climate predictions for effective disaster preparedness and socio-economic resilience. He urged stakeholders to apply the SCP’s insights in mitigating risks associated with climate change, warning that failure to act could lead to severe consequences.
“The SCP is not just a prediction; it is a blueprint for progress, resilience, and hope. I urge all stakeholders to make use of this document to enhance productivity and reduce exposure to climate-related disasters,” Keyamo concluded.
The unveiling of the 2025 SCP marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate change through scientific forecasting and proactive policymaking. With continued support from the Tinubu administration, NiMET remains at the forefront of providing reliable climate intelligence to safeguard lives and livelihoods across the country.
Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
