Ahead of the public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) early next year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) held a stakeholders’ workshop on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Abuja to discuss the socio-economic impacts of the SCP.
The stakeholders, drawn from various sectors of the economy, commended NiMet for its invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through the timely release of the annual SCP document.
Welcoming the participants, Anosike described the stakeholders’ meeting as a vital step in preparing the 2025 SCP. He emphasised NiMet’s role in climate-proofing the economy by providing timely and reliable weather and climate information.
“Over the years, the SCP has evolved in scope, incorporating the concept of co-development, which is supported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This approach enables critical stakeholders to participate in the production of weather and climate information, thereby improving its depth, accuracy and relevance. It also fosters a sense of ownership among stakeholders,” Anosike stated.
He added, “I urge us to reflect on the events observed in the 2024 predictions, their socio-economic impacts across sectors and use our experiences to generate more robust advisories for the 2025 predictions. This will help improve livelihoods, secure food security and build resilience across the nation.”
Representing the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Nigeria, Dr. Bernard Gomez, through Dr. Rowland Abah lauded NiMet for its consistency in producing the SCP for over a decade. “I commend NiMet for organising this workshop annually. It highlights NiMet’s capacity and leadership in forecasting weather and climate conditions. NiMet’s support to other African countries in producing forecasts and building capacity is highly commendable,” he said.
Bilkisu Yakubu, representing the executive director of Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), lauded NiMet for ensuring inclusivity in its programsme. “It is the first time in Nigeria’s history that such inclusivity has been embraced. We are proud of NiMet for the hospitality shown when we signed the MoU. I am particularly grateful to Prof. Anosike, who I consider an ambassador for inclusivity, especially regarding climate change,” she noted.
The stakeholders’ forum serves as a feedback mechanism to ensure the final SCP document meets stakeholders’ expectations. The final version is set to be unveiled to the public in late January 2025, pending the approval of a final date by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Participants at the workshop included representatives from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Harvest Plus, the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), among others.
