The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) has predicted early onset rainfall for Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa.
Others are; Oyo, and parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba States, while a late onset is expected over Borno State.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo who unveiled the 2026 SCP at the Public Presention in Abuja on Tuesday, also revealed that rainfall cessation is anticipated to be earlier than normal in parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi and Niger States.
"We have already seen some significant rains across the southern parts of the country this year. Let me reiterate that these should not be taken to mean that the rainy season has started in these places.
"Those engaged in rainfed agriculture and other rainfall-dependent activities in Nigeria are therefore advised to refer to the predicted onset dates in this publication or consult NiMet for proper guidance."
The Minister however said that the SCP predicted that a delayed end of season is expected in Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna States, just as a longer-than-normal length of rainy season is expected in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba States.
"Whereas, parts of Borno, Yobe and Niger States are expected to have a shorter-than-normal length of rainy season. A normal annual rainfall amount is anticipated in most parts of Nigeria compared to the long-term average.
"Above-normal rainfall is expected in Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom States, and the Federal Capital Territory; while in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun States, below-normal rainfall is expected.
He stressed that during the season of March to May, severe dry spells exceeding 15 days are likely in parts of Oyo and Ogun States, while moderate dry spells are expected over Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, and Delta states, as well as parts of Kogi and Kwara states.
"Furthermore, during the June-July-August season, a severe dry spell that may last up to 21 days is predicted for parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.
"The Little Dry Season (LDS), also known as ‘August Break,’ is predicted to begin by late July and would be severe and prolonged over Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and parts of Oyo States.
"The number of days with little or no rainfall will range between 28 and 40 days. A moderate LDS effect is expected over Ondo, parts of Kwara and Edo States."
According to the SCP, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are predicted to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country in January, February, March, and May 2026.
Keyamo emphasised that climate science is fundamental to sustainable development, adding that Nigeria must be at the forefront of building and adopting systems that can survive and thrive in future climate scenarios.
"Any developmental effort that is not informed by credible weather and climate knowledge is vulnerable, costly, and ultimately unsustainable.
"The document that we are unveiling today reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to science-based planning, foresight, and resilience. It underscores the need to continually strengthen our homegrown scientific expertise, invest in human capacity, and ensure that climate information effectively supports decision-making at Federal, States and Local Government levels.
"I would like to call on all stakeholders, federal government MDAs, state governments, academia, the private sector, development partners, and the media, to lend sustained support to climate science, particularly in the dissemination and application of this SCP document.
"On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, reaffirm our resolve to continue empowering the Nigerian Meteorological Agency to serve as a centre of excellence in weather and climate services, and a trusted provider of scientific guidance for national development."
In his Goodwill message , Vice President Kashim Shettima, who spoke through a representative commended NiMet for its continued commitment to advancing climate services towards Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda.
The Director-General/CEO of of NiMet, and Nigerian Permanent Representative with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Prof. Charles Anosike, said his agency has continued to provide authoritative and science-based knowledge, a critical factor to informed planning and decision-making in Nigeria’s rapidly changing climate.
"As climate variability and extreme weather events increasingly threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, food security, and economic growth, timely and reliable weather and climate information have become indispensable for building safer and more climate-resilient communities across the country.
"For all we do and plan to do at the Agency, there is a rich history behind it, with over a century of meteorological service in Nigeria and beyond our borders. From the nineteenth century to modern day era shaped by visionary leaderships, NiMet continues to lead nationally and internationally. It is on this note that the Agency hereby specially acknowledged critical role of the Pioneer Director General/Chief
Executive Office of the Agency, Chief Lihwu Eugene Akeh in laying the foundation for the organisation as an Agency of Government," he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, in his Welcome address, said that the unveiling of the SCP is not merely a scientific exercise; but a strategic national engagement aimed at empowering decision-makers with credible, timely, and actionable climate informatio
The Pioneer DG/CEO of NiMet, Chief Eugene Akeh gave an overview of how the service evolved over the past 140 years into the present NiMet.