The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has urged Akwa Ibom residents to pay close attention to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), warning that following the forecast is critical to protecting lives, livelihoods and property.
Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the Akwa Ibom State Director of NOA, made the call while addressing journalists and the agency’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) in Uyo on Thursday.
Mr Mkpoutom described the seasonal climate prediction as an important annual forecast that includes detailed information on expected rainfall patterns, the start and end of the rainy season, temperature variations, and potential dry spells.
He pointed out that NiMET’s 2026 forecast provides critical guidance for planning in key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, disaster management, and construction.
Climate prediction, he believes, should be viewed as a practical tool for survival and economic stability, rather than a scientific document. He explained that an accurate interpretation of the forecast would allow farmers to plan planting seasons more effectively, help communities prepare for potential floods or droughts, and assist government officials in making informed resource allocation decisions.
The NOA State Director also emphasised the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns as a result of climate change, emphasising that strict adherence to NiMET advisories would significantly reduce the risks associated with flooding, erosion, heatwaves, and low agricultural output. He warned that ignoring climate predictions would expose communities to preventable disasters.
Mr Mkpoutom reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to public enlightenment, saying the agency would continue to collaborate closely with NiMET to ensure widespread distribution of the seasonal climate forecast in simplified formats.
He stated that the agency’s community orientation and mobilisation officers would translate the information into major local languages to ensure effective communication throughout all local government areas, markets, schools, and religious centres.
He advised residents in flood-prone areas and communities likely to receive above-normal rainfall to take precautions, including evacuation if necessary. He also urged citizens to maintain high hygiene and environmental sanitation standards in order to prevent disease outbreaks caused by flooding.
The State Director specifically warned residents of coastal communities and those living near rivers and waterways to be cautious, stating that flooding is most likely to occur between now and May.
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He urged people who had built structures along waterways to relocate and encouraged communities to clear clogged gutters and keep drainage systems operational.
In addition, Mr Mkpoutom urged residents to engage in tree planting and other environmentally friendly practices to help mitigate the effects of extreme weather conditions, emphasising the importance of the public fully complying with advisories issued by relevant government agencies based on 2026 weather predictions.
The briefing concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility from NOA, which emphasised the importance of proactive action and community cooperation in reducing climate-related risks in Akwa Ibom State.
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