Nigeria is facing a serious public health warning as a severe “super El Niño” phenomenon drives temperatures to perilous extremes, with new forecasts warning of tens of thousands of deaths due to heat.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued heat stress alerts for northern areas where temperatures have surged to between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, while independent researchers fear the country could record the world’s highest added heat death in coming months.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has confirmed the commencement of a significant El Nino event in 2026 and described it as one of the strongest ocean-atmosphere phenomena in recent decades.
The direct effect of the big El Nino on Nigeria’s temperatures in the August to October window may not be equally dramatic, the agency said, but warned of cascading implications including heat stress, irregular rainfall and heightened health risks. In its latest alert, NiMet said “heat index projections indicate critical heat levels across parts of the North, Central and Southern regions of Nigeria,” mentioning Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno and Adamawa as places of concern.
The excessive heat is expected to take a heavy human toll. A analysis by the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab indicated that Nigeria could suffer 31,400 more heat-related deaths from September 2026 to February 2027 than in a typical year.
The super El Nino will bring up to 451,000 excess heat deaths globally in the six-month period, with Nigeria responsible for over half of 66,800 deaths expected in four susceptible African countries, the scientists estimated.
Nigeria’s susceptibility is due to a mix of expected temperature increases across the Sahel, high poverty levels, unstable electricity and limited access to cooling facilities, according to the paper.
Now, officials and public figures have started advising citizens to take safeguards. Anambra State First Lady, Nonye Soludo, has advised citizens to remain hydrated, avoid excessive sun exposure and wear light clothing, in a statement.
“As we move into a period of increased heat I urge all families to take simple but important precautions to protect their health,” she added, noting that extra attention must be taken to the elderly, babies and those with underlying diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
She also stressed the need for rapid action if severe symptoms develop: “If anyone shows signs of severe heat illness, get them to a cool place, start cooling their body and call for emergency medical help right away.”
NiMet has urged Nigerians to take water regularly, avoid direct exposure to the sun at peak hours and ensure enough ventilation in homes and offices.
The organization cautioned that the current severe heat and fine dust particles in the north could raise the danger of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and probable meningitis epidemics.
Health experts also warn symptoms of heat exhaustion – such as heavy sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness and nausea – require rapid assistance to avoid escalating to more serious heatstroke.
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