The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has unveiled its maiden Livestock Weather Bulletin.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, and the NiMet delegation highlighted the bulletin’s role in delivering tailored weather information to livestock farmers.
Prof. Anosike described it as a tool for enabling informed decision-making, boosting productivity, supporting effective planning, and minimising risks from climate and weather hazards.
“Weather information is crucial for livestock farming,” Prof. Anosike emphasised, noting its impact on animal health including heat stress and disease outbreaks feed and water availability via pasture growth and drought conditions, breeding cycles, and operational aspects such as housing and manure management. He added that accurate forecasts empower farmers to make proactive choices, reducing financial losses and enhancing outcomes.
Reaffirming NiMet’s statutory role as Nigeria’s authority on weather and climate services, Prof. Anosike expressed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the ministry, including training extension officers and farmers to utilise meteorological data for more climate-resilient livestock systems.
In response,
Minister Maiha underscored the practical benefits of weather forecasting, drawing from his personal experience in private farming, where he relies on forecasts for management decisions. He revealed that the ministry has identified 417 grazing reserves across the country, with recent approval secured for their rehabilitation.
Collaboration with NiMet, he said, is vital to making these initiatives climate-smart and resilient.
The minister also announced plans for a situation room in the ministry’s new office complex, featuring a live weather data dashboard.
He welcomed NiMet’s support in aligning with federal efforts to modernise the livestock sector.