In Nigeria today, the realities of climate change are no longer distant threats; they are current, lived experiences—especially in vulnerable communities. From prolonged droughts and extreme heat to flash floods and rising air pollution, climate change is leaving behind more than just environmental damage. It is silently reshaping the health landscape of millions of Nigerians, often in communities with the least capacity to adapt or respond.
In this blog, we explore the deep and growing impact of climate change on health across Nigeria, highlighting key challenges, vulnerable populations, and the urgent need for climate-health action.
1. Increase in Climate-Sensitive Diseases
One of the most direct ways climate change affects health in Nigeria is through the rise of climate-sensitive diseases. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and humidity levels create favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases.
Malaria: Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall allow mosquitoes to breed more rapidly and in areas where they were previously uncommon. Malaria season now lasts longer in many regions.
Cholera and Diarrheal Diseases: Flooding caused by heavy rains contaminates water sources, spreading cholera and other waterborne diseases, particularly in overcrowded or underserved urban slums.
Respiratory Illnesses: In the north, desertification and dust storms are becoming more frequent, leading to an uptick in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
2. Malnutrition and Food Insecurity
Climate change has destabilized Nigeria's agricultural systems, especially in rural areas where most people depend on farming for survival.
Unpredictable Rainfall and Drought: Erratic weather patterns disrupt planting and harvesting cycles, reducing crop yields and food availability.
Rising Food Prices: Scarcity of food drives up prices, making it difficult for low-income families to afford nutritious meals.
Malnutrition in Children: This is especially dangerous for children under five, pregnant women, and elderly people, who are at higher risk of malnutrition and related diseases like stunting and anemia.
3. Heat-Related Illnesses and Death
Nigeria is experiencing hotter days and longer heatwaves, particularly in northern states like Sokoto, Borno, and Yobe.
Heat Stroke & Dehydration: Increased exposure to extreme heat without access to clean water or cooling systems puts people at risk of heat exhaustion and stroke.
Poor Working Conditions: Outdoor laborers—such as farmers, construction workers, and street vendors—face the risk of working under unsafe temperatures without adequate protection.
4. Mental Health Burdens
Often overlooked, the emotional and psychological toll of climate change is growing, especially among marginalized populations.
Loss of Livelihoods: Displacement due to flooding or drought has caused farmers and traders to lose their means of income, leading to depression and anxiety.
Climate Trauma: Natural disasters like floods can leave lasting trauma, especially among children and women who are disproportionately affected during emergencies.
5. Climate-Induced Migration and Conflict
In regions like the North-East, desertification has forced communities to migrate in search of water and arable land.
Resource-Based Conflicts: The competition over dwindling resources has intensified conflicts between farmers and herders, often resulting in violence, displacement, and injury.
Health Strain on Host Communities: When displaced people move to new communities, it often places additional pressure on already fragile health systems.
While climate change affects everyone, some groups are more vulnerable than others:
- Children under 5
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Elderly people
- People living with disabilities
- Informal workers
- Those living in rural and underserved urban areas
Climate-Health Education: We must empower communities with knowledge about how climate change affects their health—and what they can do about it.
Strengthen Public Health Systems: More investment is needed in local clinics, disease surveillance, and emergency response systems.
Sustainable Water and Sanitation Infrastructure: Clean water access and climate-resilient toilets can prevent disease and improve well-being.
Climate Adaptation Policies: Government and civil society must work together to integrate health into national climate policies.
Support for Women and Children: Tailored interventions are needed to address the unique risks faced by women and young children in climate-affected areas.
The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue—it’s a health emergency. In Nigeria, it’s impacting how we live, what we eat, the air we breathe, and even how long we live. Organizations like Climate Health Equity Africa (CHEA) are working to raise awareness, build resilience, and amplify the voices of those most at risk. But there’s still much to do.
