Third week in January 2026. Reports of rainfall are coming in from multiple locations from the south to the North, across ecological zones of Nigeria. Some of these locations had rain in late December 2025 and January 2026. For instance, Asaba, in Delta state, has reported rainfall of varying intensities daily from January 15 to 21. Owerri reported rainfall on January 17 and 20. Eket in Akwa Ibom on January 1, and elsewhere across the country. While records show that rainfall may occur in locations within Nigeria during this period, the frequency and extent seem new. This is happening during a period when Nigeria should be experiencing the harmattan, the North-easterly trade wind, characterised by cold, windy, and dusty conditions. Nigerians largely observe that this is not happening or. at best. Is on slightly happening in the northern parts of Nigeria. However, information available shows that these concerns are not limited to Nigeria but also apply across West Africa. Nevertheless. to the ordinary Nigerian. something is atypical and questions are being asked. These questions are summarised in one basic question- What is happening to the weather in West Africa?
JOIN US FOR ANSWERS
To offer explanations, the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST), founded in 1987 and with a long-term engagement and service to Nigeria and all humanity, is convening a webinar to answer some questions agitating the people of Nigeria. The webinar brings together experts and is open to the interested public.
Issues to be addressed include:
• Lead presentation: What is happening to the West African Climate Systems? - Prof. Ifeoluwa Balogun, Director, DRP-WACS, West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), and Federal University of Technology, Akure.
• Potential risks to Agriculture - Dr. Benjamin Okoye, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State.
• Potential risks to health - Dr. Deborah Msheliza, NEST Board member/Department of Geography, University of Maiduguri.
28 Jan 2026, 2PM WAT
Zoom: Meeting ID: 856 5220 9817
Passscode: 040805
