NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday

October 27, 2025 | Abuja

The NiMet weather update has predicted a mix of dust haze and rainfall across various parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

In its NiMet weather update released on Sunday in Abuja, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.

According to the agency, isolated thunderstorms and light rain are also expected in Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon and evening hours, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are likely in the central region, including FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi, with chances of late-day rain.

The NiMet weather update further noted cloudy conditions in the southern region on Monday morning, followed by moderate rainfall and thunderstorms later in the day over Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers States.

For Tuesday, the NiMet weather forecast indicated continued slight dust haze in the north and possible thunderstorms in Taraba and Adamawa, while the central region will witness sunny skies with moderate rain in FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi.

Across the south, moderate rainfall is anticipated in Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, with increasing intensity later in the day. NiMet also warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River, urging authorities to activate emergency response measures.

By Wednesday, the NiMet weather update anticipates sunny skies across the north, with isolated thunderstorms in Taraba, and light rain in the central region, especially Kogi and the FCT. The southern states will start cloudy, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rain later in the day.

NiMet also cautioned against potential flash floods and advised motorists to drive carefully in wet conditions. The agency urged persons with asthma or respiratory issues to minimize outdoor exposure due to dust particles in northern airspace.

It further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged the public to stay informed through NiMet’s website and official communication channels. GMTNewsng

NDA shooting exercise: Academy warns Kaduna residents

October 27, 2025 | Kaduna

The NDA shooting exercise scheduled by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has prompted a public warning to residents of Afaka, Kauya, Tsamiya, and Mando in Kaduna State to steer clear of its open range from Tuesday, October 28 to November 7, 2025.

According to a statement released by the NDA Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, the NDA shooting exercise is part of the Range Management Package for cadets of the 73 Regular Course (Army), aimed at improving their combat readiness. http://nda.org.ng

“The NDA wishes to inform the general public, especially inhabitants of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya, and Afaka general area, that it will be conducting its Range Management Package NDA shooting exercise for cadets,” the statement read.

Maj. Maidawa assured residents that all safety precautions have been taken for the smooth and secure conduct of the NDA shooting exercise, while urging the public to cooperate with military personnel during the period.

The statement added that the Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, conveys his appreciation to the host communities for their understanding and continued support.

The Nigerian Defence Academy, based in Kaduna, is Nigeria’s foremost military training institution, responsible for producing officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The shooting exercise forms part of its continuous efforts to enhance professionalism and discipline among its cadets. GMTNewsng

Southeast Gears Up for ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Workshop in Enugu

October 26, 2025 | Enugu

The business community across Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone is set for a major economic convergence as Enugu hosts the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Summit on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The event, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, is organised by the ECOWAS National Unit of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Enugu State Government. Governor Peter Mbah will serve as Chief Host, while the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will officially host the high-profile regional workshop.

According to Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), established in 1979, is a central instrument for promoting regional economic integration and boosting cross-border commerce among West African nations. The scheme provides duty-free market access for goods certified as originating within ECOWAS, thereby encouraging local manufacturing, innovation, and competitiveness.

Dr. Eze explained that the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme will significantly reduce import dependency, foster entrepreneurship, and generate employment. He disclosed that Nigeria currently accounts for 36.1 percent of all registered companies under the ETLS across the sub-region—amounting to 3,146 firms and more than 6,000 certified products. “In 2024 alone, 800 companies and 419 products were newly registered,” he added.

Despite its promise, the scheme remains underutilised due to limited awareness among small businesses and informal traders. The Enugu sensitisation workshop therefore seeks to close this knowledge gap by educating participants on the benefits, eligibility criteria, certification process, and documentation procedures required to export goods duty-free across the ECOWAS market.

The one-day ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation programme will attract entrepreneurs, SMEs, members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), exporters, agro-processors, and women in business. With the theme “Increasing Intra-regional Trade through ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme,” the workshop underscores the region’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and cross-border cooperation.

Dr. Eze emphasised that the processing of ETLS applications in Nigeria is free, urging the Southeast business community to take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to export their products duty-free to other West African countries.

The ministry expressed optimism that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Summit in Enugu will strengthen compliance with ECOWAS regulations, enhance intra-African trade, and empower small businesses to participate more effectively in regional value chains. http://gmtnewsng.com