El Niño safety tips for Nigerians: NEMA urges households to prepare for extreme heat, conserve water, protect food supplies and follow weather alerts

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the potential effects of El Niño, warning that the climate phenomenon could contribute to extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns, drought and food shortages.

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In an advisory issued on Monday titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community,” the agency outlined eight measures individuals, households and communities can adopt to reduce their exposure to climate-related risks.

“Super El Niño can cause hotter temperatures, less rainfall, drought, floods and food shortages,” NEMA warned.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal.

It is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions.

The phenomenon can influence atmospheric circulation, affecting temperatures and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world. Its effects, however, vary by region and depend on local climate conditions.

According to PUNCH, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) reported in its August 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Update and August-September-October rainfall forecast that a strong El Niño event had begun developing in 2026.

NiMet said the event was expected to influence global climate patterns during the August to October period and could have implications for rainfall patterns in Nigeria.

NEMA has therefore advised Nigerians to take the following steps to protect themselves, their families and their livelihoods.

Prepare for extreme heat

NEMA advised Nigerians to drink clean water regularly, avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, and wear lightweight clothing and hats. The agency also recommended sunscreen use and urged people to check regularly on children, older people and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Conserve water

Households should use water carefully, repair leaking taps and pipes, and store water in clean, covered containers. NEMA also encouraged residents to keep their surroundings clean to help protect water sources from contamination.

Protect food supplies and livelihoods

The agency urged families to maintain adequate food supplies for emergencies and encouraged communities to support local farming and home gardening.

Farmers were advised to protect livestock and poultry, adopt improved agricultural practices and drought-resistant crops where suitable, and explore available government and partner support programmes.

NEMA also recommended diversifying income sources to reduce the effects of climate-related disruptions on household earnings.

Pay attention to health and sanitation

Nigerians were advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and dehydration, maintain proper sanitation and practise regular handwashing.

Keeping surroundings clean can also help reduce exposure to diseases associated with poor sanitation and contaminated water. NEMA urged people who become unwell to seek medical attention promptly.

Reduce exposure during peak heat hours

The agency recommended limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm.

Where outdoor activities cannot be avoided, people should seek shade, wear protective head coverings, take regular breaks and drink water. NEMA also advised households to schedule demanding activities for early mornings or late evenings when conditions may be cooler.

Strengthen community preparedness

NEMA called on residents to participate in community preparedness and early-warning initiatives, share reliable safety information with neighbours and check on vulnerable people.

Community cooperation, the agency said, can help households respond more effectively to climate-related emergencies.

Follow official weather updates

Nigerians were advised to monitor updates from NEMA, NiMet and other trusted media outlets, follow official warnings and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.

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The agency’s advisory emphasises the importance of early preparation as changing weather conditions can affect public health, agriculture, water availability and household food security.