Nigeria is hot. We know this, we complain about it almost every day, and somehow, we have learnt to go about our lives regardless. We go to work, attend lectures, sell in the market, trek under the sun and wait for buses as though the heat is just another inconvenience we have to put up with. But what happens when the heat becomes more than just uncomfortable?
With growing concerns about El Niño and projections of increased heat-related deaths in Nigeria, it is important to understand that extreme heat is not something we should dismiss. It can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke, which can be fatal.
So, how do we prepare for a heatwave, especially in a country where not everyone has access to constant electricity, let alone an air conditioner?
The first thing is to drink enough water. It sounds obvious, but many people go about their day without drinking enough, particularly when they are busy. Carry a bottle of water when leaving home, drink regularly and pay attention to how your body feels. If you work outdoors or spend long hours commuting, hydration becomes even more important.
We also need to be more intentional about when we go out. Where possible, run errands early in the morning or later in the evening, when the weather is cooler. If you have to be outside during the hottest hours, look for shade, take breaks and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. An umbrella or a hat might seem like a small thing, but protecting yourself from direct sunlight can make a difference.
Of course, telling Nigerians to stay indoors during a heatwave is easier said than done. People have jobs to do, businesses to run and lectures to attend. Many cannot afford to stop working simply because the weather is hot. This is why employers must also take responsibility by providing drinking water, allowing regular breaks and creating shaded areas for people who work outdoors.
At home, there are simple ways to make the heat more bearable without spending money on an air conditioner. Shade your windows from direct sunlight, keep your rooms ventilated when the outdoor air is cooler and take a cool shower when necessary. These measures may not eliminate the heat, but they can help you feel more comfortable.
Another thing we need to learn is how to recognise when the heat is becoming dangerous. Dizziness, headaches, unusual weakness, nausea and heavy sweating can be signs of heat exhaustion. If this happens, move to a cooler place and begin cooling your body. Confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness may indicate heatstroke, which requires immediate emergency medical attention. Do not assume that someone who collapses in the sun simply needs to rest.
Beyond personal precautions, we must learn to look out for one another. Check on elderly neighbours, young children and people who may struggle to cope with extreme temperatures. Share reliable weather updates and useful information with friends, family members and colleagues. Sometimes, the information we consider ordinary could help someone recognise a dangerous situation before it becomes life-threatening.
There is also the bigger conversation about our environment. The loss of trees, inadequate green spaces and the growing concentration of buildings and paved surfaces in our cities can make already hot conditions more difficult to manage. Planting and protecting trees, creating shaded public spaces and improving urban planning are some of the ways communities can become better prepared for extreme heat.
However, we must be careful not to place the entire responsibility on individuals. People can drink water, use umbrellas and adjust their routines, but these measures cannot replace effective public health planning, reliable weather warnings and support for vulnerable communities. Preparing for extreme heat requires the involvement of individuals, employers, communities and government agencies.
We may not be able to control the weather, but we can control some of the decisions we make in response to it. We can pay attention to warnings, take precautions and look out for each other.
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