Nigeria is currently experiencing a severe heat wave affecting virtually every part of the country, with temperatures reaching alarming highs. This prolonged period of excessive heat has become a grave concern, as articulated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). In February 2024, NiMet issued a Seasonal Climate Prediction, warning of an extended heat wave that would persist despite intermittent rainfall.
The Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, indicated that both daytime and nighttime temperatures in 2024 are expected to be warmer than the long-term averages across most of Nigeria, particularly in March and May. Such conditions are not only uncomfortable but pose significant health risks, especially in regions lacking adequate power supply, which affects the use of cooling systems at night.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified climate change as the single biggest health threat facing humanity, with more than 13 million deaths globally each year linked to avoidable environmental causes. In Nigeria, the current heat wave exacerbates the discomfort with widespread sweating at night, severely disrupting sleep and worsening conditions for vulnerable populations, including infants and the elderly.
John Omije, a carpenter from the Lugbe neighborhood, shared his distress with The Guardian, noting the toll the heat takes on his young child and consequently on his own work performance due to sleep deprivation. Similarly, Chidinma Okereke expressed the detrimental effects of heat on her family’s health, highlighting issues like heat rashes exacerbated by the lack of electricity to power essential cooling devices.
The health implications of such extreme temperatures are dire, as explained by Prof. Titus Ibekwe, a Professor of Otorhinolaryngology & Public Health at the University of Abuja. He detailed the risks of severe dehydration, exhaustion, and even organ damage or death if proactive measures are not taken to keep the body cool and hydrated. Prof. Ibekwe also emphasized the importance of environmental protection, particularly the preservation of forests, to mitigate global warming and reduce the frequency and intensity of heat waves.
Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recorded some of the highest temperatures, consistently reaching above 45 degrees Celsius. Such extreme conditions are known to be particularly lethal, affecting the body’s ability to regulate temperature and maintain physiological balance.
The problem is further compounded by Nigeria’s energy crisis, which limits access to air conditioning and forces people to seek respite outdoors, despite the risks. Prof. Ibekwe and other experts advocate for staying indoors, ideally in air-conditioned environments, taking regular baths, and drinking plenty of water. However, the sporadic power supply makes these simple preventive measures challenging for most of the population.
Addressing the broader implications of climate change, Prof. Babajide Alo, an environmental expert from the University of Lagos, pointed to human activities such as deforestation and industrialization as key drivers of the current crisis. He noted that even the modest relief provided by the onset of the rainy season is insufficient to significantly cool down the oppressive heat.
Environmental activist Dr. Priscilla M. Achakpa highlighted the particular vulnerability of women, especially those approaching menopause, and young girls, to the heat wave. She stressed the urgent need for policy interventions that encourage tree planting and provide sustainable alternatives to firewood, which is extensively used in rural areas.
Dr. Achakpa also emphasized the broader impacts on agriculture and livestock, which are crucial for the livelihoods of many Nigerians, particularly in the far north where desert encroachment is a growing problem. Sustainable living practices are needed to mitigate these effects and adapt to the changing climate.
As NiMet predicts moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming days across several states, there is a hopeful anticipation for some respite from the scorching temperatures. Yet, this forecast does little to alleviate the long-term challenge posed by rising temperatures and climate change.
The ongoing heat wave in Nigeria is a clarion call for concerted action to address the root causes of climate change and implement robust public health strategies. This includes improving infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare, and enhancing public awareness about the risks and precautions associated with extreme heat. As the country grapples with these unprecedented temperatures, the need for adaptive strategies and proactive governance has never been more critical.
Source: The Guardian
