El Niño: Nigeria faces extreme heat, food shortages, 31,400 projected deaths

Nigeria could experience extreme heat, water shortages and food supply disruptions as the El Niño climate phenomenon intensifies, experts have warned.

According to Peoples Gazette, a study by the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab projects 31,400 additional heat-related deaths in Nigeria between September 2026 and February 2027. Climate Impact Lab+1

“The most impacted countries across the Sahel are forecasted to see an additional 66,800 heat deaths from September to February compared to a normal year, with nearly half of those lives being lost in Nigeria (31,400),” the report said.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) also warned of potential disruptions to rainfall patterns, threatening agriculture, water supplies and public health. NiMet

Health experts identified children, older people, farmers and outdoor workers as particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Extreme temperatures could worsen dehydration, heatstroke and existing cardiovascular, kidney and respiratory conditions.

The projected deaths are estimates, not confirmed fatalities, and researchers say timely interventions could significantly reduce the risks.