The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has unveiled its maiden Livestock Weather Bulletin as part of efforts to promote climate-resilient livestock production across the country.
According to a post on the agency’s X handle, the bulletin was presented on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, to Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development.
Speaking during the visit, Anosike said the bulletin was designed to provide timely and accurate weather information tailored specifically for livestock farmers, enabling informed decision-making, improved productivity, effective planning, and reduced exposure to climate- and weather-related risks.
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He noted that weather and climate information play a critical role in livestock production.
“The purpose of this visit is to present to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the maiden edition of the Livestock Weather Bulletin,” he said.
According to him, meteorological information influences key aspects of livestock farming, including animal health through heat stress and disease patterns, feed and water availability via pasture growth and drought conditions, breeding cycles, and daily farm operations such as housing and manure management.
Anosike added that access to reliable weather forecasts allows farmers to take proactive decisions that reduce financial losses and improve production outcomes.
He reaffirmed NiMet’s mandate as the national authority on weather and climate services and expressed the Agency’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Livestock Development.
He said NiMet is prepared to provide training and capacity-building support for extension officers and livestock farmers to enhance the effective use of meteorological information and promote climate-smart and resilient livestock systems nationwide.
“weather information is crucial for livestock farming, influencing animal health such as heat stress and disease, feed and water availability through pasture growth and drought conditions, breeding cycles, and daily operations including housing and manure management,” he added.
In his response, the Minister of Livestock Development, underscored the importance of weather information and forecasting in livestock management, citing its practical value to his private farming investments. He disclosed that he personally relies on weather forecasts in managing his farm operations.
The Minister revealed that the Ministry has identified 417 grazing reserves across the country and has recently secured approval for their rehabilitation. He stressed that collaboration with NiMet would be crucial to ensuring the initiative is climate-smart and resilient to weather-related challenges.
Maiha also announced plans to establish a situation room in the Ministry’s new office complex, where live weather data will be displayed on a dashboard to support real-time decision-making. He welcomed NiMet’s alignment with government policies aimed at modernising and strengthening the livestock sector.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to set up a technical working group by January 2026 to identify and prioritise areas of collaboration.
It was also agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding would be drafted and signed by the first quarter of 2026 to formalise cooperation on weather data sharing, training, and joint workshops, with capacity-building programmes expected to commence in early 2026.
