The Ekiti State Government has urged farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to prepare for possible weather changes associated with a strong El Niño phenomenon expected to intensify towards the end of 2026 and continue into early 2027.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ebenezer Ojo, gave the advice while drawing attention to weather advisories issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and international climate institutions.

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Ojo, in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, described El Niño as a natural climate phenomenon characterised by abnormal warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

He explained that the phenomenon could influence weather patterns across the world, leading to extreme temperatures, irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells and, in some areas, heavy rainfall.

However, he cautioned against interpreting the development as an automatic indication of nationwide drought or reduced rainfall in Nigeria, noting that its effects would depend on regional atmospheric conditions and other interacting climate factors.

“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 said.

The permanent secretary advised farmers in Ekiti to follow official weather forecasts and agricultural advisories closely, warning against changing 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 agricultural practices, improve water management, conserve soil moisture and protect crops and livestock from excessive heat and other weather-related risks.

Ojo called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, meteorological institutions, agricultural extension services and emergency management authorities to ensure that timely weather information and early-warning messages reached farmers.

He stressed that proactive monitoring, effective communication and adequate preparation were necessary to protect agricultural investments, safeguard livelihoods and sustain food production amid emerging climate challenges.

The permanent secretary urged farmers and members of the public in Ekiti to remain calm but vigilant, relying on verified updates from NiMet and other relevant authorities rather than unsubstantiated information circulating on social media.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to sustainable agricultural development, food security and support for farmers through relevant policies, interventions and timely access to agricultural information.

El Niño is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a recurring climate pattern involving changes in sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions over the tropical Pacific.

Although it originates in the Pacific Ocean, it can influence temperature and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world.

In its October 2026 climate update, the World Meteorological Organisation said the phenomenon was expected to strengthen ahead of a projected peak in December, increasing the likelihood of above-average temperatures across large parts of the globe and shifting rainfall patterns.

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also projected in its October 8 outlook that a strong-to-very-strong El Niño would likely persist through January to March 2027.

However, the climate pattern does not produce identical effects everywhere.

Its influence on West Africa varies, making local and seasonal forecasts important for agricultural planning.

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NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction provides state-specific information on expected rainfall and temperature patterns to guide farmers and other sectors affected by weather conditions.