By Rotimi Feyisina
The Ekiti State Government has urged farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to prepare for possible weather variations linked to the forecast strong El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to intensify towards the end of 2026 and persist into early 2027.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ebenezer Babatope Ojo, gave the advice while drawing attention to advisories issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and international climate institutions.
Ojo explained that El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon marked by abnormal warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence global weather patterns, triggering extreme temperatures, irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells and, in some regions, heavy rainfall.
He said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), in its October 2026 climate update, projected a significant intensification of the phenomenon, while the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also indicated a high likelihood that it would persist into early 2027.
However, he cautioned against treating the development as an automatic sign of nationwide drought or reduced rainfall in Nigeria, noting that its actual impact would depend on regional atmospheric conditions and other interacting climate factors.
According to him, the agricultural sector could experience irregular rainfall, higher temperatures, reduced soil moisture and changes in planting conditions, with possible consequences for crop development, livestock productivity and food supply.
Ojo advised farmers to follow official weather forecasts and agricultural advisories closely. He urged them not to adjust planting schedules solely on the basis of global El Niño projections without consulting local weather information and agricultural extension officers.
He also encouraged farmers to adopt climate-smart practices, improve water management, conserve soil moisture and protect crops and livestock from excessive heat and other weather-related risks.
The Permanent Secretary called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, meteorological institutions, agricultural extension services and emergency-management authorities to ensure that weather information and early-warning messages reach farmers on time.
He stressed that proactive monitoring, effective communication and adequate preparedness were essential to protecting agricultural investments, safeguarding livelihoods and sustaining food production amid emerging climate challenges.
Ojo urged farmers and members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to rely on verified updates from NiMet and other relevant authorities rather than unsubstantiated information on social media.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government, under Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, to sustainable agricultural development, food security and support for farmers through relevant policies, interventions and timely access to agricultural information.
