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NiMet dismisses false report, says weather forecasts boosted agriculture output nationwide
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said its Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCPs), Early Warning Alerts, and localized agro-advisories have helped farmers make informed decisions on planting schedules, crop choices, irrigation, and climate risk management.
The above, the agency said, have helped immensely in boosting crop yield, bountiful harvests and food availability across the country.
NiMet stated this in a statement Tuesday while reacting to a and condemned a publication in a section of the media which claimed that farmers lost nearly ₦5 trillion due to some situation, including poor weather forecasts.
While describing the reports as false, malicious and without an iota of scientific evidence, the statement which signed by Rabiatu Lawal Ado, Acting Head, Public Relations Unit, said its advisories are shared through state governments, agricultural extension services, traditional and digital media platforms.
According to the agency, the claim is not backed by verifiable data, transparent methodology, or any independent assessment, and amounts to what it described as a “campaign of calumny” capable of causing economic anxiety and misinformation.
NiMet explained that it had over the years, provided credible and increasingly accurate weather and climate services that support planning across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The agency noted that evaluations by development partners, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stakeholders, and farmers across all geopolitical zones show that NiMet’s forecast accuracy has improved from the global benchmark of 60 percent to over 90 percent in recent years.
Backing its position with sector-wide data, NiMet cited the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Report, produced through a collaboration involving institutions such as IAR, NBS, FDA, NASC, NRCRI, NCRI, NIFOR, NAPRI, ADPs, federal and state ministries of agriculture and livestock development, and commodity-based associations.
The report shows that Nigeria recorded increased crop yields and livestock production, with output of major staples including rice, maize, cowpea, yam, cassava, and groundnut rising above 2024 levels. It also noted a decline in food prices across all zones, reflecting improved supply and the effectiveness of ongoing agricultural interventions.
NiMet reaffirmed its commitment to national food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development, stressing that it will not be distracted by sensational narratives.
The agency urged the media, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to engage responsibly, constructively, and factually on issues of national importance.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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