The National Emergency Management Agency has warned Nigerians about the increased risk of fire outbreaks and heat-related health complications as high temperatures continue to affect several parts of the country.
The caution was contained in a statement released on Saturday by Manzo Ezekiel, speaking on behalf of the agency’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar. The agency said the current heatwave conditions could trigger emergencies if adequate precautions are not taken.
According to the statement, the rising temperatures across many states have increased the likelihood of fire incidents and health problems linked to extreme heat. NEMA urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to minimise the associated risks.
The agency noted that the unusual heat conditions have also been confirmed by forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which recently predicted continued high temperatures across several regions of the country.
Umar advised households, business owners and public institutions to handle heat-sensitive materials carefully, especially during periods of extreme temperature. She emphasised that items such as electrical appliances, gas cylinders and other combustible materials could become more susceptible to ignition under intense heat.
She further encouraged citizens to ensure the safe storage of flammable substances and warned against practices that could trigger fire outbreaks. Activities such as bush burning and poorly maintained electrical connections, she said, could significantly increase the chances of fire disasters during heatwave periods.
Beyond fire safety, the NEMA chief also called on Nigerians to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. She recommended that people stay well hydrated, limit exposure to direct sunlight and take extra care of vulnerable groups including children, elderly persons and individuals with existing health conditions.
Residents were also encouraged to stay informed by following weather updates and safety advisories issued by relevant authorities, particularly NiMet and emergency management agencies. Communities were urged to report any fire outbreak or emergency situation promptly to appropriate response agencies.
The advisory comes shortly after NiMet warned about extreme heat stress across the country. In its recent outlook, the agency predicted temperatures exceeding 40°C in some states, a development that could worsen humidity levels and increase the likelihood of heat-related illnesses among the population.
