As Nigeria braces for the potential impact of a developing El Niño phenomenon, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sounded the alarm, urging Nigerians to prepare for possible extreme heat, reduced rainfall, drought, flooding and food shortages.
In an advisory issued on Monday, the agency called on individuals, families and communities to take urgent precautionary measures to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods and minimise the risks associated with changing climate conditions.
Titled Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community, the advisory warns that the phenomenon could disrupt temperatures and rainfall patterns, with potential consequences for water availability, agriculture and food security.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon characterised by unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence weather patterns across the globe, although its effects differ from one region to another.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has also reported the development of a strong El Niño event in 2026.
In its August 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Update and August–September–October rainfall forecast, NiMet indicated that ocean observations showed the onset of a strong El Niño, which was expected to increasingly influence global climate patterns during the period.
Against this backdrop, NEMA is urging Nigerians to act early rather than wait for extreme weather conditions to take their toll.
The agency has outlined eight key areas of preparedness to help households and communities reduce their exposure to potential climate-related hazards.
First, Nigerians are advised to prepare for extreme heat by drinking clean water regularly, wearing light clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Families are also encouraged to check on children, older persons and other vulnerable individuals who face greater risks during periods of intense heat.
Second, households are urged to conserve water, repair leaking pipes and store supplies in clean, covered containers to guard against possible shortages during periods of reduced rainfall.
Third, NEMA recommends keeping adequate food supplies for emergencies, supporting local farming and home gardening, and taking measures to protect livestock and poultry from adverse weather conditions.
Fourth, farmers are encouraged to consider drought-resistant crops, adopt improved agricultural practices and explore available government and partner support programmes to reduce potential losses.
Fifth, the agency stresses the importance of proper sanitation, regular handwashing and clean surroundings to help limit the spread of malaria and water-borne diseases, particularly where changing weather conditions affect public health.
Sixth, Nigerians are advised to seek medical attention promptly when unwell and consider diversifying their sources of income to cushion the potential economic impact of climate-related disruptions.
Seventh, the public is urged to limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, take regular breaks in shaded areas and schedule essential outdoor work for early mornings or late evenings.
Finally, NEMA calls on communities to strengthen emergency preparedness by participating in early-warning initiatives, sharing verified information, supporting vulnerable neighbours and reporting emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
The agency also urges Nigerians to follow official updates from NEMA, NiMet and credible media organisations, while taking relevant warnings seriously.
Although El Niño does not produce identical effects everywhere, its potential influence on temperature and rainfall makes preparedness essential, particularly for communities vulnerable to heat stress, water shortages and agricultural disruption.
With the risks extending beyond the weather to public health, food supplies and household livelihoods, NEMA is urging Nigerians to stay informed, conserve resources and prepare ahead of possible emergencies.
