By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has dismissed recent media reports alleging that farmers lost nearly ₦5 trillion due to inaccurate weather forecasts, describing the claims as false, alarmist, and unsupported by verifiable evidence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency responded to publications by The Nation (February 2, 2026, p.26) and Daily Trust (February 3, 2026, online), which cited claims attributed to the Foundation for Peace Professionals suggesting that farmers suffered massive losses over a 24-month period due largely to NiMet’s forecasts.
NiMet stated that the allegation lacks transparent methodology, credible data, or independent validation, and warned against what it termed economically irresponsible reporting capable of misleading the public.
The agency emphasized its long-standing track record of providing climate and weather forecasting services in Nigeria for over 140 years, noting that its forecasts have continued to support policy planning, agricultural activities, and decision-making across sectors of the economy.
According to NiMet, its Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCPs), Early Warning Alerts, and localized agro-advisories are designed to help farmers determine appropriate planting periods, select suitable crops, plan irrigation, and mitigate climate-related risks.
These advisories, the agency said, are disseminated through state governments, agricultural extension services, media platforms, and digital channels nationwide.
NiMet further referenced findings from the executive summary of the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Report, a collaborative assessment involving key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including research institutes, federal and state agricultural agencies, and commodity associations.
The report, it noted, indicated increases in crop yields and livestock production across several regions of the country.
The agency added that the survey highlighted improvements in the production of major staples such as rice, maize, cowpea, yam, cassava, and groundnut compared to 2024 levels, alongside a decline in food prices across zone developments it said reflect improved supply and the impact of ongoing agricultural interventions.
Reaffirming its commitment to national food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development, NiMet urged stakeholders, civil society groups, and the media to approach issues of public importance with responsibility, objectivity, and factual accuracy.
The statement was signed by Rabiatu Lawal Ado, Acting Head of the Public Relations Unit, NiMet.
