The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a nationwide alert over a developing Super El Niño, warning Nigerians to prepare for hotter temperatures, less rainfall, drought, floods and possible food shortages.
In a Monday advisory titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community,” NEMA said the climate phenomenon is already intensifying and will dominate weather patterns from August to October 2026.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) confirmed: “Analysis of the most recent ocean observations confirms the onset of a strong El Niño event in 2026. El Niño continues to intensify steadily and is expected to dominate global climate patterns.”
El Niño is a natural warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean that disrupts rainfall and temperature worldwide.
NEMA’s 8 Survival Measures:
1. Prepare for extreme heat
Drink clean water regularly, avoid direct sun 11am-4pm, wear light clothes, hats, sunscreen, and check on children and elderly.
2. Conserve water
Fix leaks, store water in clean covered containers, avoid waste.
3. Ensure food security
Store emergency food, support home gardening and local farming, protect livestock.
4. Watch your health
Prevent dehydration and heat illness, keep surroundings clean to avoid malaria and water-borne diseases, wash hands, seek early medical help.
5. Support your livelihood
Use drought-resistant crops, diversify income, access government support programs.
6. Limit time under sun
Plan activities for early morning or late evening, use shade, take breaks.
7. Strengthen community action
Join early warning efforts, share information, look out for vulnerable neighbours.
8. Stay informed
Follow updates from NEMA, NiMet and trusted media, heed warnings, report emergencies.
NEMA urged all Nigerians to take the advisory seriously as the country braces for one of the strongest El Niño events in recent years.
