NiMet Refutes Claims of N5tn Losses over Alleged Poor Weather Forecasts

NiMet Refutes Claims of N5tn Losses over Alleged Poor Weather Forecasts

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has dismissed reports alleging that Nigerian farmers lost nearly N5 trillion as a result of poor weather forecasts, describing the claims as false, misleading and unsupported by credible evidence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Acting Head of its Public Relations Unit, Rabiatu Lawal Ado, the agency said its attention was drawn to publications by The Nation and Daily Trust which attributed massive agricultural losses to NiMet’s weather predictions.

NiMet described the reports as part of a campaign of calumny, noting that the figures allegedly attributed to the Foundation for Peace Professionals were not backed by verifiable data, transparent methodology or any independent assessment.

“The bogus and alarmist claim that Nigerian farmers have lost nearly N5 trillion in productive capital due largely to NiMet weather forecasts is not supported by any verifiable data, transparent methodology or independent assessment,” the agency stated.

The meteorological agency emphasised that it has, for over 140 years, provided credible and accurate weather and climate services to support planning across critical sectors of the economy, including agriculture, aviation, water resources and disaster risk management.

According to NiMet, its performance has consistently met and exceeded international standards, with development partners, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stakeholders and farmers across the geopolitical zones adjudging its forecasts to be highly reliable in recent years.

“For 2024 and 2025, different development partners, the World Meteorological Organization and stakeholders have all adjudged NiMet forecasts to have eclipsed the 60 per cent threshold to over 90 per cent,” the statement said.

NiMet explained that its Seasonal Climate Predictions, early warning alerts and localised agro-advisories are specifically designed to help farmers make informed decisions on planting dates, crop selection, irrigation planning and risk mitigation. It added that these services are disseminated through multiple channels, including state governments, agricultural extension services, traditional media and digital platforms.

The agency also cited findings from the executive summary of the 2025 wet season agricultural performance assessment in Nigeria, a collaborative survey involving institutions and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.

According to the assessment, Nigeria recorded increases in crop yields and livestock production during the period, while output of major staples such as rice, maize, cowpea, yam, cassava and groundnut rose above 2024 levels.

The survey further revealed that food prices declined across all zones, reflecting improved supply conditions and the effectiveness of ongoing interventions in the agricultural sector, developments NiMet said were inconsistent with claims of widespread losses attributed to weather forecasts.

NiMet maintained that agriculture remains a vital source of stability and opportunity for the country, contributing significantly to food security and economic growth.

Reaffirming its mandate, the agency said it would continue to support national food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development, despite what it described as sensational narratives.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to supporting national food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development,” the statement added.

NiMet urged stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media to engage responsibly and factually on matters of national importance, warning that the spread of unsubstantiated claims could undermine public trust and informed decision-making in key sectors of the economy.