The National Emergency Management Agency has alerted Nigerians about the rising risk of fire incidents and heat-related health problems due to soaring temperatures in several parts of the country.
The warning came in a statement issued on Saturday by the agency’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Manzo Ezekiel, on behalf of the Director-General, Zubaida Umar.
According to NEMA, the ongoing heatwave conditions have increased the likelihood of fire disasters and health complications, urging the public to adopt preventive measures.
“Following the recent rise in daily temperatures and heatwave conditions across parts of the country, the National Emergency Management Agency cautions on the heightened risk of fire disasters and related health challenges that may arise from the prevailing weather situation,” the statement said.
The agency noted that these elevated temperatures have been corroborated by recent forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which predict continued heat across the country.
“The agency noted that the elevated temperatures being experienced in many parts of the country have been confirmed in recent forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which indicates the likelihood of persistent heat conditions during this period,” the statement added.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar advised Nigerians to be cautious when handling materials that could easily ignite, especially under extreme heat conditions.
“She urged households, business operators and public institutions to pay close attention to the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders and other combustible materials, noting that excessive heat can increase the vulnerability of such items to ignition,” the statement said.
She also stressed the importance of proper storage of flammable substances and warned against activities that could trigger fires.
“She emphasised the need for proper storage of flammable substances, avoidance of bush burning and ensuring that electrical connections are properly maintained to reduce the risk of fire incidents,” the statement noted.
Beyond fire safety, NEMA’s DG urged Nigerians to take precautions against heat-related health risks.
“In addition to fire safety, the DG NEMA advised citizens to take preventive measures against heat-related health challenges by staying well hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and persons with underlying health conditions,” the statement said.
Residents were also encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and safety advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and emergency management agencies, and to promptly report any fire outbreak or emergency.
The Director-General reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to public awareness and proactive disaster risk reduction in line with federal efforts to protect lives, property, and the environment.
This advisory follows a recent warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency about extreme heat stress affecting millions across the country. NiMet predicted temperatures above 40°C in several states, with high humidity worsening the risk of heat-related illnesses.
States most at risk include Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory, while northern states like Taraba, Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto are also on alert.