New Post Africa

Category: Weather

  • Rainstorm damages newly built Kugbo Bus Terminal, causing traffic disruption in Abuja

    Rainstorm damages newly built Kugbo Bus Terminal, causing traffic disruption in Abuja

    ABUJA, Nigeria, April 8, 2026 (NPA) — A heavy rainstorm on Tuesday afternoon damaged parts of the Kugbo Bus/Taxi Terminal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), just weeks before its scheduled commencement of operations.

    The storm, which began around 3:30 p.m., tore off sections of the terminal’s roof and scattered debris across the Abuja–Keffi Expressway, leading to severe traffic congestion. Witnesses reported scavengers collecting pieces of the roof and other materials deposited on the road.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed that the rainstorm also caused minor damage to the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and nearby buildings. He emphasised that preliminary reports indicated no injuries or vehicle damage.

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed security personnel to secure the site, restore traffic flow, and prevent disorder. Olayinka assured that immediate repairs would be undertaken to restore the terminal.

    The Kugbo terminal is one of three newly constructed facilities — alongside Mabushi and the Central Business District (CBD) — inaugurated in June 2025 to improve commuter safety and convenience. Designed by Planet Project Ltd., the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals are expected to process over 10,000 passengers daily and accommodate 120 buses and taxis for both intercity and intra-city travel. Each terminal is projected to employ at least 100 workers.

    Although completed and inaugurated last year, the terminals have yet to begin operations due to management approval requirements. On March 27, Minister Wike announced that the Federal Executive Council, under President Bola Tinubu, had approved a Public-Private Partnership arrangement for the Mabushi and Kugbo terminals, paving the way for their imminent launch.

  • NiMet forecasts thunderstorms across Nigeria on April 6, gives important advisory

    NiMet forecasts thunderstorms across Nigeria on April 6, gives important advisory

    ABUJA, NIGERIA, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its weather forecast for Monday, April 6, 2026, highlighting sunny conditions in the north, cloudy skies in the central region, and widespread thunderstorms in the south.

    Northern States: Sunny with Isolated Thunderstorms

    Morning: Predominantly sunny skies.

    Afternoon/Evening: Localized thunderstorms expected in Kaduna and Taraba.

    Outlook: Hot and sunny conditions will dominate, with pockets of thunderstorms later in the day.

    Central States: Cloudy Start, Stormy Finish

    Morning: Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine.

    Afternoon/Evening: Isolated thunderstorms with light rains likely in Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, and Benue.

    Outlook: Calm morning conditions may give way to thunderstorms — residents are advised to plan activities early.

    Southern States: Rain-Soaked Day Ahead

    Morning: Cloudy skies with sunshine intervals. Thunderstorms with light rains are expected in Lagos, Southern Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross River.

    Afternoon/Evening: Widespread thunderstorms and light rains forecast for Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
    Outlook: Increased rainfall activity later in the day — expect wet roads, reduced visibility, and possible disruptions to outdoor activities.

    Important Advisory

    • Strong winds may precede thunderstorms — secure loose objects.
    • Drive cautiously due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
    • Avoid flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall.
    • Stay hydrated under prevailing warm conditions.
    • Airlines should obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for safe operations.
  • NEMA trains naval personnel and students on disaster management in Port Harcourt

    NEMA trains naval personnel and students on disaster management in Port Harcourt

    PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 13, 2026 — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted disaster management training for naval personnel and students of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Brokiri Town, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The exercise, held on March 11, was supervised by NEMA’s Head of Operations, Eric Ebodaghe, and aimed at strengthening preparedness and response capacity among officers and students of the naval institution. Training sessions covered flood management, evacuation procedures, fire prevention, and practical evacuation drills.

    Facilitators, including Mr. Anyanwu Fortunatus and Mr. Felix Akakara, led interactive sessions and coordinated a hands-on evacuation drill involving all participants.

    In a statement, Ebodaghe urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that the skills acquired would be vital in responding effectively to emergencies. 

    Responding on behalf of the institution, Lt. Cdr. A.M. Koko expressed appreciation to NEMA for the initiative and conveyed gratitude to Director-General Zubaida Umar for supporting the program.

  • NiMet forecasts sunshine, thunderstorms across Nigeria

    NiMet forecasts sunshine, thunderstorms across Nigeria

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its forecast for Friday, 13th March 2026.

    Sunny skies are expected across the Northern region throughout the day, with isolated thunderstorms likely over parts of Kaduna and Taraba States later.

    In the Central States, the morning will bring sunny skies with patches of clouds, while isolated thunderstorms and light rains are anticipated in Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara, Benue, Niger, and Kogi States by afternoon and evening.

    Southern States will experience a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine in the morning, alongside isolated thunderstorms in Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, and Lagos. Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rains are expected across Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Osun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

    NiMet advised residents in storm-prone areas to take precautions, as thunderstorms may be accompanied by strong winds. Northern residents were urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and seek cooler environments.

    Airline operators are encouraged to obtain airport-specific weather information from NiMet for effective planning.

  • FG to Establish Fire Stations in 109 Senatorial Districts

    FG to Establish Fire Stations in 109 Senatorial Districts

    KANO, NIGERIA — The Federal Government has announced plans to establish fire stations in all 109 senatorial districts across the country as part of efforts to mitigate fire disasters and strengthen emergency response.

    Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Dr Olumode Samuel-Adeyemi, disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the Singer Market in Kano State, following the February 14 fire incident.

    Samuel-Adeyemi said a dedicated fire post would be established at Singer Market to curb recurring outbreaks. He conveyed the condolences of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the government and people of Kano State, particularly traders who lost lives and property worth billions of naira.

    Strengthening Response and Prevention

    The CG explained that the initiative is part of a broader plan to:

    • Expand fire coverage nationwide through senatorial and local government fire stations.
    • Construct water reservoirs in major markets to ensure quick access to water during emergencies.
    • Collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for crowd control during incidents.
    • Intensify public education and inspections through the Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit to enforce compliance with fire safety standards.

    He identified faulty electrical wiring, unsafe fuel storage, cooking inside shops, use of generators, lithium battery installations, and unattended appliances as major causes of market fires.

    Samuel-Adeyemi also noted that although firefighters arrived at Singer Market within 20 minutes, access was delayed due to obstructed roads. He appealed to Nigerians to give right of way to fire trucks during emergencies.

    Legislative Backing

    The CG added that the proposed amendment of the Fire Service Act would strengthen enforcement powers, including the authority to seal premises that fail to install required fire safety equipment.

    He commended the Kano State Fire Service and other emergency agencies for their cooperation and assured continued federal support in equipment and training.