Northern States to Experience Delayed Rainfall in 2025 – Keyamo

• The Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecasts delayed rainfall in northern states like Kaduna and Plateau, while southern states will see early onset
• Keyamo emphasizes the importance of accurate climate predictions for planning, as severe dry spells and flash floods may impact various sectors

Some northern states in Nigeria will see a delay in rainfall this year, according to Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Keyamo shared this forecast on Tuesday in Abuja during the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction.

“The northern and central states, including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara, will experience delayed rainfall.

However, early rainfall is expected in the southern states, such as Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. Other regions should expect a normal onset,” Keyamo stated.

He further explained that rainfall would end earlier than usual in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo.

Meanwhile, the season will extend longer in some areas, including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu.

“The overall length of the rainy season in 2025 should be normal in most parts of the country. However, Borno and Yobe might see a shorter season, while Lagos and Nasarawa could experience a longer period of rainfall,” he added.

Discussing the impact on aviation, Keyamo emphasized that weather conditions play a key role in flight schedules.

“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that weather-related flight delays increased from 11% in 2012 to 30% in 2023.

Early warning systems, backed by accurate climate predictions, are crucial to improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in air navigation,” he noted.

NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, also highlighted the importance of these predictions. He stressed that the annual forecast helps stakeholders and businesses plan effectively.