By Omoniyi David

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has forecast widespread dust haze, cloudiness and isolated thunderstorms across parts of the country from Sunday to Tuesday.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said persistent dusty atmospheric conditions will affect the northern and central regions, with possible implications for health, transportation and aviation.

The agency predicted moderate dust haze over the northern region on Monday and Tuesday, noting that the condition may intensify later in the week.

The central region is expected to experience thick to moderate dust haze throughout the period, while inland southern cities will record moderate dust haze.

NiMet added that coastal areas will have sunny skies with patches of clouds, with chances of isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall over parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

By Bridget Tikyaa

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called for stronger collaboration between the Executive and Legislature to tackle the state’s growing climate challenges and harness opportunities in the green economy.

Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, at a one-day Climate Change Training for members of the State House of Assembly on Monday in Abuja, Alia said the theme of the workshop directly addressed “one of the most critical challenges of our time.”

He outlined steps already taken by the government, including the establishment of the State Council on Climate Change, development of a Climate Policy and Action Plan, strengthened early warning systems, flood-control projects, deployment of solar streetlights, and promotion of climate-smart agriculture.

Despite these efforts, he noted that Benue remains highly vulnerable, citing recurrent floods in Makurdi, Agatu, Guma, Logo and Katsina-Ala; erratic rainfall; rising temperatures; forest degradation; and threats to livelihoods in the agriculture-dependent state.

Alia urged lawmakers to strengthen legal frameworks, pass and update climate laws, support carbon budgeting, ensure strict oversight of climate-related funds, and champion constituency sensitization on sustainable practices.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, pledged proactive legislative action, stressing that climate change affects development, health, and security.

International Alert Country Director, Dr. Kingsley Udoh, said the training, under the Irish Aid funded Powering Peace through Climate Action Project, aims to enhance climate governance and support peaceful responses to climate-related risks.

Director-General of the State Climate Council, Hon. Aondofa Daniel Mailumo, and the Secretary to the State Government’s representative, Mrs. Ngufan Ahenjir, also reaffirmed commitments to building a climate-resilient Benue.

All members of the Assembly attended the training.

By Adenike Lawal

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has released a three-day forecast indicating dust haze across the North and parts of the central region, alongside cloudy skies and isolated thunderstorms in the South.

NiMet said northern states would experience moderate dust haze with visibility reduced to 2-5km through Wednesday.

The same conditions, it noted, would affect several central states.

For the South, mornings are expected to be cloudy before isolated thunderstorms and light rain later in the day in states such as Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, Edo, Ogun and Ondo.

The agency advised residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to take precautions against dust exposure.

Motorists were urged to drive carefully during rainfalls due to slippery roads and poor visibility, while airline operators were reminded to obtain airport-specific weather updates.

NiMet encouraged the public to follow its regular advisories and monitor real-time updates on its official platforms.