The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Keyamo, has called on all stakeholders to actively utilize the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Speaking at the public presentation of the SCP, with the Theme ‘The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, Keyamo emphasized the critical role of early warnings in building a climate-resilient aviation industry and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development.
He highlighted the increasing challenges posed by climate change to the aviation sector, citing the rising frequency of extreme weather events that disrupt operations and cause significant economic losses.
Keyamo stressed that aviation is highly weather-dependent, with flight decisions relying heavily on prevailing conditions.
He noted the increasing trend of weather-related flight delays globally and the potential for more severe weather patterns, including turbulence, due to climate change.
The SCP, he argued, is a vital tool for navigating these challenges, enabling stakeholders to anticipate and adapt to climate variations, thereby ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of air travel.
A resilient aviation sector, in turn, contributes to broader economic goals, including trade, tourism, and connectivity.
The Minister explained that the SCP provides valuable insights into expected weather and climate patterns, benefiting various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, health, marine operations, and transportation.
Keyamo urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, researchers, and the media, to actively use the SCP in their respective domains, emphasizing that collaboration and information sharing are crucial for maximizing its impact.
He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to innovative solutions for climate change challenges and reiterated the government’s support, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, for building a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria.
The Director General, NiMet, Prof Charles Anosike said that the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) is perishable just like other weather and climate predictions, and requires actors to uptake the information, utilize it, and provide feedback for evaluation and improvement of the document.
Professor Anosike expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology for their unrelenting support towards the progress of NiMet.
“My appreciation goes to the Members of the Senate, and House of Representatives and Excellencies-Governors in attendance and/or their representatives for accepting our invitation and gracing this important event. NiMet relies on your constituencies and States for subsequent downscaling of the Seasonal Climate Prediction for maximum impact at the last mile”, he concluded.
