ANNUAL total amount of rainfall in the country is expected to be normal in most parts of the country ranging from 390 mm in the North to over 2790 mm in the South according to the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction( SCP) as highlighted by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika at the unveiling today.
This is just as Director General, Nigeria Meteorological Agency ( NiMet), Professor Bako Matazu has said that the 2022 SCP is a veritable tool to notify stakeholders, emergency managers and general public at large of anticipated rainfall pattern within the season for necessary plans of migration when needed.
According to the Minister who gave the keynote address at the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) meeting themed “Strengthening Climate Actions through timely and impact based climate prediction for Economic Recovery currently being held at NAF Conference Center, Kado Abuja also said annual rainfall amount ranging from 390 mm to 790 mm is anticipated in some northern states.
He said,” The annual rainfall amount is expected to range from 390 mm in the North to over 2790 mm in the South. Annual rainfall amount ranging from 390 mm to 790 mm is anticipated in some parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina and Sokoto states.
“The central states such as Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, Benue and the FCT, as well as Ekiti, Osun and Oyo are anticipated to record 1190 mm to 1590 mm of total rainfall
On the planting season, the Minister said the earliest onset of the planting season (beginning of planting activities) is expected about the 28th February, 2022 in the Coastal parts of the country while the onset of rainfall is expected to occur between April and May in the Central states, and eventually within June to July in the Northern states.
Sirika also said rainfall cessation dates across most parts of the county in 2022 is predicted to be near the long-term average conditions. The window between the Onset and cessation dates can be regarded as safe periods for the planting of various crops in accordance with their cropping calendars.
He said the growing season is predicted to last between 250-300 days in Southern parts of the country, and 100 to 200 days in the North.
“Noteworthy, are areas around Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Benue, Bayelsa, and Rivers which are likely to experience shorter than normal length of growing season. However, prolonged length of growing season is anticipated in parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Edo, and Imo States.
- NiMet DG highlights import of meteorology in agric, disaster management
Professor Matazu in his welcome address at the public presentation of the 2022 SCP meeting explained how the SCP has been an invaluable asset to farmers, improving their yields. It has also helped increase and improve the level of preparedness by Emergency Management Agencies, complement the flood prediction by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and served as an advisory tool for many stakeholders at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.
He said, “We are all living witnesses to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how many economies have struggled. In Nigeri, one of the pathways for economic recovery is agriculture. However, many of the agricultural practices are climate dependent and largely rainfed.
“It is important to recognize the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on developing the Agricultural Sector for Sustainable Green Economy, focusing on food system development agenda that will lift hundred (100) million Nigerians out of poverty within a decade. The Government aims to prioritize healthy diets and affordable nutrition through inclusive, efficient, resilient, and sustainable agriculture which will contribute to job creations and sustainable economy growth.
He explained that it is NiMet’s responsibility to advise the government on all aspects of meteorology stressing,” We observe, collate, collect, process, and disseminate all meteorological data and information within and outside.”
On challenges of variability in climate with regards global warming, Professor Matazu said in recent times, this has given rise to high rainfall amounts occurring within a short duration and has made flash flood episodes more frequent.
He buttressed, “Several roads were decimated in 2021, among which are the Maiwa bridge, along Bauchi – Kano highway, Ningi local government area of Bauchi state, the single day rainfall event of 16th July 2021 over Lagos metropolis which flooded a large portion of Lagos Island including the popular Balogun market.
” Increased severity of dry spells episodes in parts of Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe and Nasarawa states. With such recurring extreme events, the SCP becomes a veritable tool to notify relevant stakeholders and emergency managers of the anticipated rainfall pattern within the season for necessary mitigation plans.”
