NiMet Unveils First-Ever Livestock Weather Bulletin to Boost Climate-Smart Farming

Nigeria’s livestock sector has received a major climate intelligence boost as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) formally presented its maiden Livestock Weather Bulletin to the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a courtesy visit in Abuja. The initiative signals a growing push to equip livestock farmers with precise, timely weather data tailored to their daily realities.

Source: NIMETNIGERIA

NiMet’s Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, said the bulletin was designed to help farmers make smarter decisions, improve productivity and reduce losses linked to climate and weather extremes. He explained that weather patterns directly affect animal health, pasture availability, breeding cycles and farm operations, noting that reliable forecasts allow farmers to plan ahead and minimise financial risks.

Anosike reaffirmed NiMet’s role as the nation’s authority on weather and climate services and expressed readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development. He said the agency is prepared to support training and capacity building for extension officers and farmers to strengthen the adoption of climate-resilient livestock practices across the country.

Responding, Minister Maiha underscored the practical value of weather forecasting, drawing from his own experience as a farmer who relies on meteorological data for planning. He disclosed that 417 grazing reserves have been identified nationwide and approved for rehabilitation, stressing that collaboration with NiMet will be key to ensuring the initiative is climate-smart and sustainable.

The minister also revealed plans to establish a situation room in the ministry’s new headquarters, where live weather data will be displayed on a digital dashboard to guide policy and operations. He welcomed NiMet’s alignment with government efforts to modernise the livestock sector.

Both parties agreed to set up a technical working group by January 2026 to map out priority areas of cooperation, with plans underway to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2026. Joint workshops and capacity-building programmes are also expected to follow, marking a new phase of data-driven livestock development in Nigeria.