Abuja, Feb. 4, 2025 – Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, says there will be early rainfall in many southern states in Nigeria in 2025.
The minister said this in Abuja on Tuesday while unveiling the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
“The onset of rain is predicted to be delayed over the northern and central states, including Plateau, as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara.
“Meanwhile, early onset is expected in the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. The rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset.
“An earlier-than-average end to the rainy season is predicted in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states.
“However, a delayed end is expected in parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu.
“The little dry season, known as the ‘August break,’ is expected to begin in late July and will be severe in parts of Lagos and Ogun states, with 27 to 40 days of little or no rainfall.
“In line with the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative, this prediction serves as an early warning tool for stakeholders, governments at all levels, and the general public to prepare for potential hazards associated with excessive or deficient rainfall, floods, extreme temperatures, and dry spells across the country,” Keyamo said.
Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the ministry was commited to making climate information accessible to all Nigerians.
“Today’s session is particularly special because it represents our dedication to public engagement, ensuring that the knowledge we generate benefits communities across all 36 states of the federation and the FCT,” he said. (GBN)