News in Brief

-NiMet refutes claims of ₦5 trillion farmer losses from poor forecasts by PeacePro, citing over 90% accuracy and strong crop yields in rice, maize, and other staples.

-It presented findings of the 2025 wet season agricultural performance survey, which confirmed improved output and falling food prices as proof.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has refuted allegations that Nigerian farmers suffered nearly ₦5 trillion in losses due to inaccurate weather forecasts, calling the claim unfounded and potentially damaging to the agricultural sector.

In a statement issued by NiMet’s Acting Head of Public Relations, Rabiatu Lawal Ado, the agency described the claim made by the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) as lacking any credible data, analytical framework, or independent verification.

It warned that such assertions risk sowing panic among farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders at a time when Nigeria's agriculture shows resilience and growth.

NiMet Defends Forecast Reliability

PeacePro raised alarm over a massive wipeout of capital in Nigeria's agriculture sector due to policy-induced price crashes and misleading weather forecasts from NiMet.

Defending against the allegation, the body, with over a century of service, emphasised its forecasts' pivotal role in agriculture, transport, and disaster management.

In its rebuttal, the agency stated that assessments by development partners, the World Meteorological Organisation and stakeholders across Nigeria's geopolitical zones rate the agency's predictions above 90% accuracy. 

Lawal Ado said its Seasonal Climate Predictions, early warnings, and location-specific advisories, which were disseminated via state governments, extension workers, media, and digital platforms, guided farmers on planting, crop selection, irrigation, and risk mitigation. This reliability helped many of them to mitigate risks in 2025, despite irregular rainfall in some zones.

2025 Harvest Boost Counters Loss Narrative

To corroborate its defence, NiMet highlighted the executive summary of the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey, a collaboration among research institutes, regulatory bodies, commodity groups, and federal/state agriculture ministries. The survey showed improved yields and livestock output for staples like rice, maize, cowpea, yam, cassava, and groundnut compared to 2024, boosting food availability and stabilising prices nationwide.

Food prices fell across regions due to higher supply and interventions, underscoring agriculture's economic contributions amid President Trump's global trade influences on Nigerian exports. NAERLS data confirms growth from better rainfall, farming practices, and land expansion, although fertiliser costs rose and pests hit 19,000 hectares.

Call for Responsible Discourse

NiMet reaffirmed its dedication to food security, climate resilience, and sustainable growth, urging civil society and media to prioritise accuracy. It cautioned against the spread of exaggerated narratives and called on civil society groups and the media to approach national issues with accuracy, responsibility and balance.