The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has predicted that the 2024 onset of rains will be delayed in some parts of the, especially the North Central states while a normal onset is likely to occur over the northern states.
Also, Borno, Abia and Akwa Ibom states are predicted to have an early onset when compared to their long-term averages.
An early end of the season is predicted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Home, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebony, Ogun and Lagos states.
However, a late cessation is predicted over the southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti and some parts of Edinburgh, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, FCT, Niger and Kaduna.
The 2024 seasonal climate prediction was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday in Abuja.
While giving the highlights, the minister disclosed that the document also contains detailed predictions for temperature in the first five months of the year, predictions for the dry spell and little dry season, as well as predictions for malaria and meningitis.
“The annual rainfall amount is predicted to be below normal over parts of 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.”
He said the 2024 SCP which has been summarised for policy makers and translated into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin languages is expected to promote wide uptake of information for all.
“As the highly anticipated 2024 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction is released today, I strongly encourage all stakeholders to evaluate the predictions thoroughly and strategically, to build adaptive capacity and resilience against climate variability within your respective sectors.
“It is my desire that the content of the document enables policymakers to plan activities, allocate resources effectively, and protect our citizens from the adverse impacts of weather.”
The special guest of honour, and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who spoke virtually, said the two critical issues facing the country are climate change and food crisis. He therefore stressed the importance of NiMet prediction.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Emmanuel Meribole, said the increasing weather vagaries across the globe has made atmospheric predictions very critical to socio-economic development of any nation.
“Over the years, we have witnessed changing climatic patterns, extreme weather events, and attendant disastrous impacts to lives, property, and livelihoods. These emphasise the critical significance of our gathering here today,” he said.
The Director General and CEO of NiMet, Prof Charles Anosike, said his agency has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence by delivering its annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) early in the year.
“This tradition highlights the vital role accurate weather prediction plays in our collective well-being as a nation,” he stressed.
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