The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has made significant predictions regarding the upcoming weather patterns for various states in Nigeria, specifically forecasting a longer rainy season for Lagos, Enugu, and eleven other states in 2026. This announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction held in Abuja.

Keyamo detailed the expectations for the rainy season, indicating that states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom will experience an early onset of rainfall, while Borno State is anticipated to see a delayed start to the rainy season. Conversely, it was noted that the cessation of rainfall will be earlier than the norm in several states, including Ogun and Osun, but a delayed end of the season is expected in states like Lagos and Anambra, which may have implications for agricultural planning and water resource management in these areas.

These predictions underscore the importance of climate forecasting in Nigeria, particularly given the country's reliance on seasonal rains for agriculture and the management of water resources. The longer rainy season could potentially benefit crop yields in the affected states, while also posing challenges due to the risk of flooding and related impacts on infrastructure. Stakeholders must prepare for these projections to mitigate adverse effects and leverage the opportunities presented by the changing weather patterns.