Rising Heat and Its Growing Challenges in Africa
Nigeria is getting hotter, and this is more than just a change in the weather. It is a serious threat to our health and daily lives. A heatwave happens when temperatures stay unusually high for several days in a row. Over the last few decades, Nigeria’s average temperature has gone up by about 1.20⁰C, and it will likely keep rising unless we act.
Understanding the Causes
Different factors are making Nigeria more likely to experience extreme heat. Human activities, such as global warming, through the burning of fossil fuels and industrial work, release gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. City living also plays a part; in large cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, concrete buildings and paved roads absorb heat during the day and remain hot at night, creating what are known as urban heat islands. We are also losing our trees, and when they are cut down, we lose the natural cooling that they provide. Additionally, during the harmattan season, dust and dry air from winds can make heat stress worse by lowering humidity.
The Impact on Human Health
When it is very hot, our bodies have a hard time cooling down, which can cause several health problems. Dehydration and exhaustion can set in, making you feel very tired, dizzy, or faint if your body loses too much water. There are also serious conditions to consider; extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heart problems, and trouble breathing. For instance, in 2002, a severe heatwave in Maiduguri, Borno State, led to 60 deaths, you can read more about it here: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2002/06/11/least-60-die-heat-stroke-maiduguri. More recently, states like Sokoto have seen record-breaking heat and a spike in people falling ill due to the heat. Those most at risk include children, older adults, and people with low incomes, while those who work outside, such as farmers and construction workers, also face high risks.
Economic and Environmental Challenges
Beyond health, there are other big challenges, as heatwaves harm our country in other ways. In farming and food, high temperatures can kill crops and make livestock sick. In fact, in 2024, Nigeria had a 20% drop in farming productivity compared to the previous year. It also affects power and energy; when many people try to stay cool at once, it puts a lot of pressure on the power grid and causes more blackouts. Finally, it impacts work and money, as it is hard to work well when it is extremely hot, which slows down the economy.
Immediate and Long-Term Solutions
To address this, we need to take action now with both short-term steps and long-term plans. Quick steps include staying hydrated by drinking plenty of clean water remembering that a simple way to tell if you are drinking enough is the color of your urine, which should be pale or clear. You should also find a cool spot by staying under the shade of trees, staying in well-ventilated rooms, or hanging out in places like malls or banks with 'AC' during the hottest part of the afternoon, usually 12 PM to 4 PM. Education is also vital to help communities learn how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion.
For long-term solutions, we must plant trees, as creating green spaces in cities can help lower temperatures naturally. Using clean energy, like solar and wind power, helps cut down the gases that cause global warming. Governments should also provide better warnings by using early warning systems to let people know when a dangerous heatwave is coming.
A Way Forward
In conclusion, by recognizing the risks of rising temperatures and implementing key solutions such as increasing community awareness, planting trees, adopting clean energy sources, and establishing effective early warning systems, we can protect both our health and our future.
References
1. Akatah, B. M., Onyeaka, H., Onungwe, I., Akpan, P. P., Igulu, K. T., & Elenwa, E. P. (2025). Climate change-induced heatwaves in Nigeria: Causes, challenges, and adaptive strategies. Journal of Environmental Management, 394, 127433.
2. Heat and Health: WHO 2024 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health
3. Oluwaseun, O.A., 2024. Heatwave in Nigeria: then and now – a critical analysis. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Retrieved 1st February from. https://dai lytrust.com/heatwave-in-nigeria-then-and-now-a-critical-analysis/.
4. Osanyinro, O., 2024. Heat waves in Nigeria: causes, effects and CORRECTIVE measures. Retrieved 30 January from. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heat-waves-nigeria-ca uses-effects-corrective-measures-osanyinro-k9ncf/.
5. URBANET, 2018. Infographics: Urbanisation and Urban Development in Nigeria. Infographics. Retrieved 8th August from. https://www.urbanet.info/urbanization-in -nigeria-infographics.
6. WORLDBANK, 2021. Climate change knowledge portal. Retrieved 27 January from. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/.
