By Abbas Nazil
Climate experts have warned that rising heat waves across Nigeria, driven largely by climate change, are already reshaping the country’s environmental, economic, and public health landscape, urging immediate government intervention to address the growing crisis.
Data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency shows a steady increase in average temperatures over recent decades, alongside more frequent and intense extreme heat events affecting both northern and southern regions.
In northern cities such as Sokoto and Kano, temperatures now regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius during the dry season, while in southern cities like Lagos, high humidity is intensifying the heat, making conditions more uncomfortable and dangerous for residents.
Scientists attribute the trend to global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and disrupt climate systems, resulting in longer dry seasons, erratic rainfall, and prolonged heat waves in Nigeria.
Experts note that even small increases in average temperatures can significantly raise the frequency and intensity of extreme heat, especially in tropical regions like Nigeria.
Rapid urbanisation is worsening the situation as expanding cities such as Abuja and Lagos replace natural vegetation with concrete and asphalt, creating urban heat islands that trap heat during the day and release it slowly at night.
The effects are already visible in public health, with rising cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, particularly among children, the elderly, and outdoor workers who face prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Extreme heat is also affecting livelihoods, as millions of Nigerians working in agriculture, construction, and informal sectors experience reduced productivity and income due to harsh weather conditions.
Environmental lawyer Huzi Mshelia explained that long-term climate data shows a consistent warming trend over the past two decades, leading to more frequent and prolonged heat extremes across the country.
He added that northern Nigeria, particularly the Sahel and Sudan savannah regions, faces the most severe impacts due to higher temperatures, desertification, and declining vegetation cover.
In the North-Central region, rising temperatures combined with irregular rainfall are increasing pressure on agriculture and water resources, while southern regions face heightened heat stress due to humidity and dense urban infrastructure.
Agriculture remains highly vulnerable, with extreme heat causing crop stress, reduced yields, and potential crop failure, while livestock production is also threatened by heat stress and water shortages.
Despite existing climate policies such as the Climate Change Act and national climate frameworks, experts say Nigeria lacks a dedicated National Heat Action Plan and effective early warning systems to manage extreme heat risks.
They are calling for urgent measures including improved data systems, heat alert mechanisms, climate-resilient urban planning, expanded green spaces, and public awareness campaigns on heat safety.
Experts also recommend adjusting working hours for outdoor labourers, strengthening healthcare systems to manage heat-related illnesses, and integrating heat risk into national policies on agriculture, energy, and disaster management.
They emphasise that while Nigeria has a foundation for climate action, targeted and well-funded strategies are essential to protect public health, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure economic stability as temperatures continue to rise.