The Federal Government has expressed confidence that the timely release of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency will significantly enhance food security in Nigeria.
Farmers have also expressed optimism for a bumper harvest in 2025.
The prediction, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja, outlines key weather patterns for the upcoming farming season, helping to inform agricultural planning and decision-making.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, who was present at the launch, emphasised the importance of the SCP for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
The agricultural sector contributed 17.22 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2024, with smallholder farmers making up more than 70 per cent of the workforce.
Most of these farmers depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making them vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns.
In his words, Abdullahi said, “Early warning systems and climate intelligence are indispensable for resilience, adaptation, and economic stability. Seasonal climate prediction is germane to the nation’s agricultural sector. It will serve as a strategic guide for planning, decision-making, and risk mitigation.”
He further explained that erratic weather events, such as increased temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts, have led to reduced agricultural productivity.
“These weather vagaries have made it challenging for farmers to predict and prepare for weather-related events,” Abdullahi noted.
The minister praised the collaborative efforts between NiMet and the Ministry of Agriculture in integrating climate intelligence into agricultural practices, stating, “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is fully supporting and committed to the early warning system, climate-smart agriculture, and every development initiative to achieve food security and a resilient environment.”
He also reflected on the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and NiMet for real-time downscaling of SCP, which has provided useful early warning information for farmers.
Abdullahi underscored the administration’s commitment to climate action, saying, “The present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised SCP and given the nod for the office of the Special President Envoy on Climate Action to serve as the lead negotiator on climate-related matters.”
Optimism for increased food production
Representatives of the farming community expressed optimism that the early climate prediction could result in increased food production.
If the predicted early rains are sustained, it would boost crop yield and reduce the cost of food. However, they also warned that any disruption to the rains could lead to food insecurity.
The Chairman of the All-Farmers Association, Abuja Chapter, Ifraimu Dauda, explained that sustained rainfall is crucial for a successful harvest.
“If the rain starts early and is sustained, food production will increase, thereby dropping the prices of essential food items. But if it stops midway, there’s fear of heightened food insecurity,” Dauda said, adding that despite the unpredictable nature of weather, he remains optimistic about this year’s food production.
In terms of possible impediments to a bumper harvest in 2025, Dauda stated, “Normally, if the rainfall is not enough, the harvest of agricultural produce is impeded. We don’t have control over these weather conditions. But if we have good seedlings, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs either from the government or private sector, a bumper harvest is assured. You know irrigation farming is not yet on a large scale in Nigeria.”
Similarly, the National President of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of following the seasonal prediction.
“What they are saying is that the rains are coming very early, and we are to plan and plant when the rains are steady. We will have to prepare to plant early-maturity crops so that they don’t dry up on the farm,” he explained.
Ibrahim stressed the need for farmers to strictly adhere to the predictions and prepare for potential weather challenges, acknowledging the unpredictable role of natural factors in crop production.
The 2025 SCP predicted varying rainfall patterns across Nigeria. While many southern states like Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Anambra will experience an early onset of rains, a delayed onset is expected in parts of the northern and central states, including Plateau, Kaduna, and Niger.
