During a briefing in Lagos on Monday, the HEDA Resource Centre programme manager, Akinmayowa Shobo, has disclosed that daytime temperatures in northern states like Borno, Sokoto, and Jigawa are projected to hit between 37°C and 43°C throughout March and April. 

This development aligned with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, which forecasts warmer-than-normal conditions nationwide.

Mr. Shobo explained that the combination of extreme daytime heat and unusually warm nights has created severe heat stress for humans, livestock, and crops alike. 

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to temperatures above 35°C during the maize reproduction stage has led to significant yield reductions, while livestock has suffered from organ damage due to hyperthermia. 

Furthermore, global data has indicated that 2025 has recorded temperatures 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels, marking a dangerous warming trend that has intensified Nigeria’s vulnerability.

To mitigate these risks, the expert recommends that the government establish cooling centres and mobile health clinics to protect outdoor workers, the elderly, and pregnant women. 

He has also called for the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and satellite imaging, to improve early warning systems. 

Long-term adaptation has required a shift toward climate-resilient infrastructure, green roofs, and the adoption of heat-resistant crop varieties to ensure the nation has remained food secure in an increasingly warming world.

Source: People Gazette