Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and other parts of Nigeria are currently grappling with extreme heat, with temperatures in some states soaring to as high as 40°C. According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the cause of the heat is rooted in climate change, and there are growing concerns that 2025 may be even hotter than the already record-breaking year of 2024.
The agency has issued a statement explaining that temperatures in the northern and central regions of Nigeria have been unusually high, with daytime temperatures ranging from 37°C to 40°C. This includes the FCT, which has been experiencing maximum temperatures of 40°C and minimum temperatures around 23°C. Additionally, some states in the south, such as Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, and parts of Cross River and Delta, are also expected to record temperatures between 34°C and 37°C during this period.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation on Monday, Prof. Vincent Weli, the Director of Weather Services at NiMet, highlighted the impact of climate change on the nation’s weather patterns. He explained that the increasing heat is part of a broader trend linked to global climate change and that the temperatures Nigerians are experiencing are a result of this ongoing crisis.
Prof. Weli explained that towns like Abuja, Lokoja, and Minna, which share similar geographical and climatic conditions, are experiencing similar weather patterns. He pointed out that because these towns are located within the same ecological zone, the effects of rising temperatures are felt across all of them. “What happens in Lokoja will affect Minna and Abuja because they lie in the same climatic zone,” he said. “The heat is widespread, not just in these areas.”
According to NiMet, the heatwave this year is threatening to surpass the previous year’s record. “Last year was the hottest year in recorded history, but this year is already trying to break that record,” Prof. Weli noted. “As the year progresses, it’s clear that we will experience even higher temperatures. We don’t know where this trend is headed, but something needs to be done to reverse it.”
This statement from NiMet comes at a time when many Nigerians are feeling the effects of the heatwave. From the scorching temperatures in urban centres to the impact on rural areas, it has become clear that the nation is facing a climate crisis that requires urgent action.
The root cause of the rising temperatures, according to NiMet, is climate change. Prof. Weli highlighted that the heat Nigerians are experiencing is directly linked to the global increase in temperatures driven by human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases. “Everything we are experiencing now is a result of climate change,” he stated.
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric patterns, often caused by human activities such as deforestation, the burning of fossil fuels, and industrial processes. As these activities release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, they trap heat and cause global temperatures to rise.
In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, with more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts becoming more frequent. The rising temperatures are also affecting agriculture, water availability, and public health, putting additional strain on an already vulnerable population.
To combat the rising temperatures, Prof. Weli suggested that Nigeria needs to adopt a more sustainable approach to energy and environmental management. He called for a shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and the promotion of electric vehicles instead of those powered by fossil fuels. “We need to encourage activities that will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, like the use of electric cars and solar power,” he said.
Additionally, Prof. Weli stressed the importance of tree planting as a way to mitigate the effects of climate change. “The more trees we plant, the more carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere, and the more oxygen we produce,” he explained. Trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
By planting more trees, Nigeria can reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Prof. Weli also highlighted that, aside from reducing carbon emissions, adopting alternative sources of energy and encouraging sustainable farming practices would help improve the country’s resilience to the changing climate.
As the heat continues to intensify across Nigeria, residents in the affected states have been advised on how to stay safe and avoid heat-related health issues. Prof. Weli recommended that people drink more water than usual to avoid dehydration, which can lead to heatstroke and other serious health complications. He also urged residents to stay out of direct sunlight, particularly between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
“People should drink more water often and keep themselves out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day,” Prof. Weli said. “Exposure to sunlight during this time can lead to excessive water loss and dehydration, which can cause serious health issues. Heatstroke is a real danger, and we must take steps to protect ourselves.”
In addition to staying hydrated and avoiding the sun, Prof. Weli also advised Nigerians to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas to protect themselves from the heat. He highlighted that these precautions are especially important for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The ongoing heatwave is a wake-up call for Nigeria to take climate change seriously and begin implementing measures to adapt to the changing environment. NiMet’s warning that 2025 could be even hotter than 2024 underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.
While individual actions like staying hydrated and protecting oneself from the sun are important, the country must also focus on larger-scale solutions, such as reducing carbon emissions, embracing renewable energy, and planting more trees. By doing so, Nigeria can help mitigate the effects of climate change and protect its citizens from the dangers of extreme heat.
