NEMA heatwave warning alerts Nigerians to rising fire risks and health dangers as extreme temperatures spread across the country

The National Emergency Management Agency has warned Nigerians about the growing risk of fire outbreaks and heat-related health problems as extreme temperatures continue to rise across several parts of the country.

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The advisory was issued in a statement on Saturday by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of Press and Public Relations of the agency, on behalf of the Director-General, Zubaida Umar.

According to the agency, the ongoing heatwave conditions have significantly increased the likelihood of fire incidents and medical complications linked to excessive heat exposure.

“Following the recent rise in daily temperatures and heatwave conditions across parts of the country, the National Emergency Management Agency cautions on the heightened risk of fire disasters and related health challenges that may arise from the prevailing weather situation,” the statement said.

The agency noted that the elevated temperatures currently being experienced in many parts of Nigeria have also been confirmed by recent forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

“The agency noted that the elevated temperatures being experienced in many parts of the country have been confirmed in recent forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which indicates the likelihood of persistent heat conditions during this period,” the statement added.

Director-General Zubaida Umar urged Nigerians to exercise caution in handling materials that could easily trigger fire outbreaks under extreme weather conditions.

“She urged households, business operators and public institutions to pay close attention to the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders and other combustible materials, noting that excessive heat can increase the vulnerability of such items to ignition,” the statement said.

The NEMA chief also stressed the importance of proper storage of flammable substances and warned against risky activities such as bush burning.

Maintaining electrical connections and equipment properly, she added, is essential to reduce fire hazards.

Beyond fire safety, the agency advised citizens to protect themselves from heat-related health challenges by drinking enough water, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

Residents were also encouraged to remain attentive to weather forecasts and safety advisories issued by relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and to promptly report any emergency or fire outbreak to response agencies.

The warning follows an earlier advisory issued on 10 March by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which predicted that temperatures could exceed 40 degrees Celsius in several states.

Areas expected to experience the most severe heat stress include Kebbi State, Niger State, Kwara State, Oyo State, Kogi State, Nasarawa State, Anambra State, Abia State, Ebonyi State and Cross River State, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Northern states such as Taraba State, Adamawa State, Plateau State, Kaduna State, Zamfara State and Sokoto State are also on high alert as authorities intensify public awareness on the dangers posed by extreme heat.

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NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained public awareness and proactive disaster risk reduction as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to protect lives, property and the environment.