The Ekiti State Government has called on farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to prepare for potential weather changes linked to a strong El Niño phenomenon, which is projected to gain strength towards the end of 2026 and continue into early 2027.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ebenezer Ojo, issued the warning while highlighting advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and international climate organisations.
In a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Ojo explained that El Niño is a naturally occurring climate event marked by unusual warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
According to him, the phenomenon can affect weather conditions globally, resulting in extreme heat, unpredictable rainfall, extended dry periods and, in some areas, intense rainfall.
However, he warned that the forecast should not automatically be interpreted as a sign of nationwide drought or reduced rainfall in Nigeria, explaining that its effects would depend on regional atmospheric conditions and other interacting climate factors.
Ojo said, “The agricultural sector can experience irregular rainfall, higher temperatures, reduced soil moisture and changes in planting conditions, with possible consequences for crop development, livestock productivity and food supply.”
He encouraged farmers across the state to regularly monitor official weather forecasts and agricultural advisories, cautioning them against changing their planting calendars based solely on global El Niño predictions without seeking guidance from local weather reports and agricultural extension officers.
The permanent secretary further recommended the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques, improved water management, soil moisture conservation and measures to shield crops and livestock from excessive heat and other weather-related threats.
He also called for increased cooperation between government agencies, meteorological organisations, agricultural extension services and emergency management authorities to ensure farmers receive timely weather updates and early-warning information.
He emphasised 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 also advised farmers and residents of Ekiti State 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 reiterated the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security and supporting farmers through appropriate policies, interventions and timely access to agricultural information.
El Niño forms part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a recurring climate pattern involving fluctuations in sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions across the tropical Pacific Ocean.
Despite originating in the Pacific, the phenomenon can influence weather patterns in different parts of the world, particularly temperature and rainfall distribution.
In its October 2026 climate update, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) projected that El Niño would intensify ahead of an expected peak in December, potentially increasing above-average temperatures across several parts of the world and altering rainfall patterns. The organisation also warned of heightened drought and flooding risks in various regions.
Similarly, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in its October 8 outlook, predicted that a strong-to-very-strong El Niño could continue from January through March 2027.
However, the climate phenomenon does not affect every region in the same way. Its impact on West Africa differs across locations, making local and seasonal weather predictions essential for agricultural planning.
NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction provides state-specific forecasts on expected rainfall and temperature patterns to assist farmers and other sectors affected by weather conditions.
