Lagos and Enugu residents are suffering from the extreme heat that is still engulfing parts of Nigeria. The situation is made worse by unstable power supplies and rising energy prices.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents in areas such as Ikorodu, Lekki, and Isolo in Lagos, alongside several communities in Enugu, described the toll the extreme weather is taking on their daily lives.
Many are forced to adjust their routines, endure physical discomfort, and spend more on essentials like water, skincare products, and rechargeable fans just to remain cool.
In Enugu, Mr Elochukwu Egwu highlighted the dual challenge of poor electricity supply and inadequate access to water.
He pointed out that most people are excluded from stable electricity because of the country’s electricity band system.
“Many people don’t even have light to manage the situation. In Enugu, water scarcity is so severe that some wait until night to bathe,” he said.
Over in Lagos, Mr Benjamin Mordi, a resident of Jakande Estate in Isolo, explained that his family has resorted to sleeping on mats on the floor in search of relief.
“We’ve had to change how we sleep, but the light hasn’t been stable either,” he lamented.
Amina James, speaking from Lekki, noted that she has made hydration and regular cooling measures part of her daily routine.
“I drink a lot of water and bathe several times a day. I carry hand fans around. Some people even sleep on top of their houses at night just to get fresh air,” she explained.
In Ikorodu, Mrs Olufunke Dada shared the discomfort the heatwave has brought to her day-to-day activities.
“I always have water and sunglasses with me when I go out. At home, I sit under a tree, use dusting powder constantly, and sleep on tiled floors. Even then, I still bathe multiple times before morning,” she said.
Mr Efosa Aigbe, also based in Lekki, described the heat as “scorching,” noting that even air conditioning offers little respite.
He said he now regularly drinks water at room temperature to avoid dehydration.
Meanwhile, Bola Yekini in Ikorodu revealed that she has developed heat rashes and now bathes almost every two hours. “I also bought a rechargeable air conditioner fan, which has helped a lot,” she added.
Climate experts are not surprised by the severity of the heatwave.
Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, a retired climatologist, said such conditions are becoming the norm due to global warming.
He urged the government to improve electricity supply and advised the public to prioritise natural ventilation at home.
He also cautioned those in the northern regions to take extra precautions against meningitis during periods of high heat.
In a weather outlook issued on February 19, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned of a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures expected to range between 38°C and 40°C.
The agency recommended that citizens stay hydrated, wear light clothing, remain in cool environments, and ensure that children and infants are adequately hydrated.
