The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,Mr. Festus Keyamo, has called for improved sustainable practices to mitigate climate change in Nigeria.
Keyamo made the call in his keynote address at the public presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja.
The event had the theme, “The role of early warnings towards a climate resilient aviation industry for sustainable socio-economic development.
“Our seasonal climate predictions are not just about forecasting; they are about shaping our response to challenges ahead.
“As we celebrate the 2025 SCP document, let us recognise that its true value lies in its application.
“I urge all stakeholders—government agencies, NGOs, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, and the media—to champion its use in their respective domains.
“Collaboration and information sharing will be key to maximising its impact.
“Challenges posed by climate change demand innovative solutions.
“The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, through NiMet, will remain at the forefront of these efforts.”
He said Nigeria could build a more resilient and prosperous future in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration with the support of policymakers and industry leaders.
Keyamo noted that the aviation industry faced increasing challenges, from erratic weather patterns to extreme climate events that directly impact airline operations.
He said aviation remained a weather-sensitive sector, adding that decisions on flight plans, take-off, and landing depended on weather conditions.
“Adverse weather—thunderstorms, squalls, wind shear, heavy rainfall, flash floods, sandstorms, dust haze, and fog—are some of the greatest challenges in aviation.
“These result in flight delays, injuries, economic losses, and even loss of lives and property.
“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global flight delays due to weather conditions increased from 11 per cent in 2012 to 30 per cent in 2023.
“The International Civil Aviation Organisation also noted that while turbulence has long been a leading cause of in-flight injuries, climate change may bring more severe weather patterns, increasing turbulence-related accidents.”
Keyamo said climate change had negative effects on the aviation industry, making early warning systems and climate predictions essential for safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
He said NiMet’s SCP played a pivotal role in empowering stakeholders with knowledge to anticipate and adapt to climate changes, ensuring uninterrupted aviation operations and safeguarding lives and property.
He added that a resilient aviation sector contributed to broader socio-economic goals, including trade facilitation, tourism, and regional connectivity.
“The SCP document we are unveiling today is a critical tool for informed decision-making.
“It offers insights into expected weather and climate patterns, equipping various sectors with the foresight needed to plan, mitigate risks, and harness opportunities.
“Agriculture, disaster risk management, health, marine operations, and transport—especially aviation—will benefit from this invaluable resource.
“Timely climate predictions will enable farmers to optimise schedules, improving food security.
“The document will also help disaster managers prepare for emergencies, minimise risks, and assist health authorities in anticipating disease outbreaks linked to weather and climate variations.
“These underscore the interconnectedness of weather, climate, and socio-economic resilience.
“In recent years, we have observed unprecedented weather patterns that have tested our preparedness and resilience.
“From consistently warmer-than-normal temperatures to flash floods, climate extremes are increasingly evident.
“These events remind us to remain vigilant and proactive,” he said.
