By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a safety advisory urging Nigerians to prepare for the potential effects of the developing El Niño phenomenon, warning of possible extreme heat, reduced rainfall, drought, flooding and food shortages.
The agency gave the warning in an advisory issued on Monday, October 26, titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and your community.
NEMA warned that the climate phenomenon could disrupt weather patterns, affect water availability and threaten agricultural production, making early preparation essential to protecting lives, livelihoods and property.
To minimise the risks, the agency advised Nigerians to take preventive measures, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat periods, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
It also urged residents to wear light clothing, take regular breaks in shaded areas and pay special attention to children, older persons and other vulnerable members of society who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
On water conservation, NEMA encouraged households to use water responsibly, repair leaking pipes and store water in clean, covered containers to maintain safe supplies during possible periods of scarcity.
The agency further advised Nigerians to maintain proper sanitation, practise regular handwashing and keep their surroundings clean to reduce the risks of waterborne diseases and other health problems.
To strengthen food security, NEMA urged households to maintain adequate food supplies for emergencies, support local farming and home gardening, and protect livestock and poultry against adverse weather conditions.
Farmers were also encouraged to adopt drought-resistant crops, improve their farming practices and take advantage of available agricultural support programmes to reduce potential losses.
The agency called on communities to strengthen preparedness efforts by sharing reliable early-warning information, supporting vulnerable residents and reporting emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
It further advised Nigerians to follow official updates from NEMA and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), stressing the importance of relying on verified information and responding promptly to relevant warnings.
Meanwhile, NiMet, in its Seasonal Climate Prediction Update for August 2026 and the August–September–October rainfall forecast, reported the onset of a strong El Niño event, noting that it could influence global climate patterns.
According to the agency, El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon associated with unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Its effects vary across regions and can influence temperature and rainfall patterns.
NEMA's advisory underscores the importance of translating early warnings into timely action to reduce the potential impact of climate-related hazards on Nigerian households and communities.
It futher urged the public, "Stay informed. Stay prepared. Act early."
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