Nigerians have been advised to plan for possible weather-related disruptions, including extreme heat, pressure on water supplies and threats to food production, as a strong El Niño event develops.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued the warning in a public advisory encouraging households and communities to take practical steps to reduce the risks associated with changing temperatures and rainfall patterns.

The advisory follows an update from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which confirmed that a strong El Niño event had begun developing in 2026 and was intensifying.

NiMet’s August update on its seasonal climate prediction said the event was expected to influence global climate patterns between August and October. The agency also warned of a greater likelihood of above-normal temperatures worldwide.

El Niño is a recurring climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-usual sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence weather systems far beyond the Pacific, affecting rainfall and temperatures, although its effects differ across regions.

For Nigeria, the potential consequences make preparedness important for households, farmers and communities that depend on reliable rainfall and access to water.

NEMA urged residents to make water conservation a priority by repairing leaking pipes and storing water safely in clean, covered containers. It also emphasised the need to protect water sources and maintain proper sanitation to reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses.

The agency advised people to take precautions against extreme heat, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. Drinking clean water regularly, wearing light clothing and limiting direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm were among its recommendations. Children, older people and others more vulnerable to heat-related illness may need additional attention during periods of high temperatures.

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Food supplies and agricultural livelihoods were another focus of the advisory. NEMA encouraged households to keep essential food items for emergencies and support local food production, including home gardening. Farmers were advised to consider drought-resistant crops, adopt improved farming practices and protect their livestock and poultry against adverse conditions.

The agency also urged households and farmers to explore available agricultural and livelihood support programmes and consider diversifying their sources of income to reduce their exposure to disruptions.

Beyond individual precautions, NEMA called for stronger community-level preparedness. Residents were encouraged to share reliable warnings, participate in local preparedness initiatives and look out for people who might need assistance during extreme weather conditions.

The agency urged Nigerians to monitor official updates from NEMA and NiMet, follow relevant weather warnings and report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

As the El Niño event develops, continued monitoring of local forecasts will be important. The phenomenon can influence weather patterns, but its presence alone does not mean that every part of Nigeria will experience the same conditions. Households, farmers and communities should therefore use current official guidance to prepare for the risks relevant to their locations.

Meiza Nigeria