The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has presented its inaugural Livestock Weather Bulletin to the Minister of Livestock Development as part of efforts to support climate-smart livestock farming in Nigeria.
Presenting the bulletin, NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, said the publication is designed to provide tailored weather and climate information to livestock farmers to aid informed decision-making, improve productivity and reduce risks associated with climate variability.
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Professor Anosike explained that weather conditions play a critical role in livestock production, influencing animal health, feed and water availability, breeding cycles and overall farm management. He noted that accurate and timely forecasts help farmers anticipate challenges such as heat stress, disease outbreaks and drought, thereby minimising losses and improving outcomes.
He reaffirmed NiMet’s statutory mandate as Nigeria’s authority on weather and climate services, adding that the agency is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development through capacity building for extension officers and farmers to enhance the use of meteorological data for resilient livestock systems.
In his response, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, highlighted the importance of weather information in livestock management, drawing from his personal experience as a farmer. He disclosed that the ministry has identified 417 grazing reserves nationwide and has secured approval for their rehabilitation.
The minister said collaboration with NiMet would be key to ensuring that the rehabilitation programme is climate-smart and sustainable. He also announced plans to establish a situation room in the ministry’s new office complex, featuring a live weather data dashboard to support policy and operational decisions.
