Predicts three-day thunderstorms in Southern region
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has debunked claims published by some media organisations that farmers lost about N5 million due to poor weather forecasts over 24 months.
 
The claim released by the Foundation for Peace Professionals said Nigerian farmers have lost “nearly N5 trillion” in productive capital because NiMet’s weather forecasts lack verifiable data, a transparent methodology, or independent assessment.
 
A statement signed by the Acting Head, Public Relations Unit, NiMet, Rabiatu Lawal Ado, said for over 140 years, the agency has been providing credible and accurate climate weather forecasts, which have aided in policy planning for different sectors of the economy for over 2025 development partners, including the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), among other stakeholders.
 
It added that farmers from different geopolitical zones have all adjudged NiMet forecast to have exceeded the 60 per cent threshold to over 90 per cent.
 
The statement stated that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCPs), Early Warning Alerts, and localised agro-advisories have consistently empowered farmers nationwide to make informed decisions on planting dates, crop selection, irrigation planning, and risk mitigation, disseminated through multiple platforms, including state governments, extension services, media outlets, and digital channels.
 
They assured that NiMet remain committed to supporting national food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development and will not be deterred by sensational narratives.

Meanwhile, NiMet has predicted three-day thunderstorms in the Southern region of the country between Wednesday and Friday this week.
 
Some of the states in the regions forecasted to witness thunderstorms are Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers States.
 
In the weekly weather forecast for this week, the agency revealed prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states during the morning hours today.
 
The forecast read: “Later in the afternoon/evening periods today, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Bayelsa states.

The forecast for tomorrow and Friday for the Southern region reads: “Tomorrow, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Imo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Delta, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states during the afternoon/evening hours.
 
The agency, however, cautioned that temperatures are expected to be on the increase, which may lead to thermal discomfort during the forecast period. It advised the public to wear breathable clothing and stay in a well-ventilated environment.