The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Tuesday refuted media reports alleging that Nigerian farmers lost nearly N5 trillion to poor weather forecasts, describing the claims as false, alarmist and unsupported by any credible evidence.
The agency’s reaction followed publications by a media house titled “Farmers lost N5 trillion to weather forecasts” and an online report by another titled “Farmers lose N5 trillion in 24 months.”
NiMet Acting Head of the Public Relations Unit, Rabiatu Ado, noted that the allegations, reportedly attributed to a group known as the Foundation for Peace Professionals, amount to a campaign of calumny and deliberate falsehood aimed at misleading the public and undermining confidence in the nation’s meteorological services.
Ado stated that the agency has for provided credible and accurate weather and climate forecasts that support policy formulation and planning across key sectors of the Nigerian economy for years.
To this end, stressed that the claims that farmers have lost nearly N5 trillion in productive capital due largely to NiMet’s forecasts is not supported by verifiable data, transparent methodology or any independent assessment.
Adi added: “In 2024 and 2025, development partners, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), relevant stakeholders and farmers across the country’s geo-political zones have consistently rated NiMet’s forecasts above the 60 per cent global benchmark, with performance levels exceeding 90.
“Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCPs), early warning alerts and localised agro-advisories have continually empowered farmers to make informed decisions on planting schedules, crop choices, irrigation management and risk reduction.”
These services, Ado said, are widely disseminated through state governments, agricultural extension services, traditional and digital media platforms, as well as other communication channels.”
NiMet further cited findings from the executive summary of the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance in Nigeria, a collaborative assessment involving major institutions and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, including the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA), among others.
Reaffirming its mandate, NiMet stated that it remains fully committed to supporting national food security, strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
The Agency noted that it would not be distracted by sensational narratives and called on stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media to engage responsibly, constructively and factually on issues of national importance.