Heatwave and Poor Electricity Supply Leave Nigerians Sleeping Outdoors

Rising temperatures and unreliable electricity supply are making life increasingly difficult for residents across several Nigerian states, forcing families to sleep outdoors, take repeated baths at night and spend more on alternative sources of power.

A report by Saturday PUNCH found that residents in states including Plateau, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Kano, Niger, Edo, Bayelsa, Ogun, Yobe and Kwara were struggling to cope with the intense heat, particularly at night when power outages made it difficult to use electric fans.

The situation has also been worsened by the rising cost of fuel, limited access to water and the high prices of rechargeable fans and solar-powered cooling equipment.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned that hotter days are expected as the country transitions from the rainy season into the dry season.

Additionally, the Climate Impact Lab projected that Nigeria could record approximately 56,000 heat-related deaths between October 2026 and March 2027, according to its updated El Niño Heat Mortality Tracker.

Residents struggle with extreme nighttime temperatures

In Jos, Plateau State, some residents have resorted to sleeping on verandas and in open compounds because their rooms become too hot during prolonged electricity outages.

A community leader in Angwa Rogo, Jos North, Hamisu Abdullahi, said children and elderly residents were particularly affected by the situation.

Residents in Tudun Wada also reported bathing infants frequently and purchasing rechargeable fans costing between N25,000 and N60,000.

In Enugu, resident Ken Ezim said the combination of high temperatures and unreliable electricity had made sleeping difficult. He explained that he sometimes takes another bath around 1 am or 2 am to cool down.

Similar experiences were reported in Benue and Nasarawa, where some families have abandoned their bedrooms at night because of the heat.

In Kano, residents said some households now sleep outdoors under mosquito nets, while those who can afford it are installing solar power systems to reduce their dependence on the national grid.

Power and water shortages worsen conditions

In Niger State, residents of Minna complained about prolonged electricity outages and the early onset of dry-season heat.

A resident of Tunga Bypass, Hajiya Aishatu Nda, alleged that officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company disconnected electricity to her compound over an outstanding bill, leaving residents without power throughout the weekend.

Residents also raised concerns about water shortages, with community leader Musa Abdullahi alleging that water vendors had increased their charges as supplies dwindled.

The Niger State Ministry of Health advised residents to carry drinking water when going outdoors and said the government was monitoring electricity and water supply challenges.

Meanwhile, communities in Bayelsa reported difficulties relying on generators because of high fuel costs.

In Edo State, traditional and community leaders have started sensitising residents on ways to reduce exposure to extreme heat. Some farmers have also adjusted their working hours to avoid the hottest periods of the day.

In Ogun State, residents said they had invested in solar-powered fans to keep their families comfortable during electricity outages.

Health experts warn about heat-related illnesses

Health professionals have urged Nigerians to take precautions against dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke as temperatures continue to rise.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Olayinka Atilola, advised residents to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing and reduce their consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

He explained that excessive sweating during extreme heat causes the body to lose fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Atilola also recommended regular showers with lukewarm water, using damp towels to cool the body and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest hours, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm.

He urged families to pay particular attention to children and elderly people, who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

The Director of Public Health at the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr Sadique Abubakar, also advised residents to minimise exposure to excessive heat, maintain proper ventilation and seek medical attention when experiencing symptoms associated with heatstroke.

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Kaduna State, Dr Sheyin Madaki, warned that unusually high temperatures could persist until February 2027.

Urbanisation increases exposure to extreme heat

Climate change expert Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead at the Society for Planet and Prosperity, attributed Nigeria’s vulnerability to extreme temperatures partly to rapid urbanisation.

He explained that reduced tree cover, poorly ventilated buildings, unreliable electricity and limited access to cooling facilities were increasing heat exposure in many communities.

He also identified workers in agriculture, construction, waste disposal and other informal sectors as particularly vulnerable because their occupations require extended periods outdoors.

As Nigeria moves further into the dry season, the combination of extreme temperatures, electricity challenges and limited access to water continues to raise concerns about public health and living conditions across the country.

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