General News
El Niño: Its Meaning, Effects and How Nigerians Should Prepare for It
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
Nigerians have been alerted that El Niño event would raise concerns that potentially affect agriculture, water supply, electricity generation and public health as increased heat and changing rainfall patterns surge.
Specifically, in September 2026, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said that El Niño was expected to be a very strong event to persist into early 2027.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Official Publication too confirmed the onset of a strong or “super” El Niño event dominating global and regional climate patterns for the August–October 2026 season. NiMet warned that the phenomenon could affect rainfall patterns, including the length of the rainy season and when it ends.
But what is El Niño, how could it affect Nigeria, and what can the country do to prepare for it?
First, El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than average.
This warming affects atmospheric circulation, changing weather patterns around the world. Depending on the region, it can contribute to higher temperatures, reduced or excessive rainfall, and shifts in seasonal conditions.
El Niño is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions.
According to the WMO, El Niño typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts between nine and 12 months. Although it develops thousands of kilometres from Nigeria, its influence on global atmospheric circulation can affect weather in West Africa. However, its effects vary by location and do not automatically mean drought or extreme heat everywhere.
What does El Niño mean for Nigeria?
NiMet’s August 2026 seasonal climate update identified the onset of a strong El Niño event and outlined possible implications for rainfall, agriculture, water resources and energy.
For August to October 2026, the agency forecast normal to above-normal rainfall across much of northern Nigeria, while parts of the South-West and Cross River State were expected to experience normal to below-normal rainfall.
These projections highlight the possibility of different weather outcomes across the country.
- Higher temperatures and health risks
One major concern is the possibility of increased heat. In October 2026, the Climate Impact Lab projected that Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027, compared with an average year.
The figure is a model-based estimate of potential excess deaths, not a confirmed death toll or a certainty that those deaths will occur.
Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke, particularly among children, older people and outdoor workers.
Health authorities should strengthen public awareness campaigns, issue timely heat warnings and prepare health facilities for heat-related emergencies. Residents should drink water regularly, seek shade, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours where possible, and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours.
- Agriculture and food production
Changes in rainfall can disrupt planting schedules and crop development. Prolonged dry spells or an early end to the rainy season could reduce yields, while excessive rainfall may cause flooding and damage farms.
NiMet has identified possible agricultural risks in areas expecting below-normal rainfall, including parts of Borno and Yobe.
Farmers should monitor updated forecasts, consider early-maturing or drought-tolerant crop varieties where appropriate, and seek advice from agricultural extension officers. In areas expecting heavier rainfall, maintaining drainage channels can help limit damage.
Government agencies should also improve farmers’ access to timely weather information and agricultural advice.
- Water supply and electricity generation
Prolonged rainfall deficits can reduce river flows, reservoir levels and groundwater recharge, putting pressure on domestic water supplies and irrigation.
Hydropower generation could also be affected if water inflows into dams decline. NiMet has identified reduced water availability and lower reservoir inflows as potential risks, although these do not confirm nationwide water shortages or electricity disruptions.
Water authorities should monitor reservoirs and groundwater conditions, identify vulnerable communities and develop contingency plans. Residents can help by repairing leaking taps and avoiding unnecessary water waste.
- Food prices and household expenses
Adverse weather could reduce agricultural output, damage farms and disrupt transportation, placing pressure on food supplies and prices.
However, El Niño alone does not mean food prices will rise nationwide. Harvests, storage, transport costs and wider market conditions will also influence prices.
The government’s monitoring of food supplies, supporting farmers in vulnerable areas and strengthening storage and distribution systems could reduce avoidable losses.
How to prepare for el nino in Nigeria: According to the Punch, what is needed is coordinated action by government agencies, state authorities, farmers, health workers, businesses and residents.
NiMet should continue issuing updated, location-specific forecasts and ensure warnings reach rural communities and farmers, including those without reliable internet access.
Health authorities should educate the public on heat-related illnesses and strengthen emergency responses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Agricultural ministries and extension officers should provide advice on planting dates, crop selection, irrigation and drainage based on current forecasts.
Water agencies should monitor dams and reservoirs, reduce distribution losses and plan for communities that may face shortages. Authorities must also prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding rather than focus exclusively on drought.
Government agencies, broadcasters and journalists should communicate climate information clearly, distinguish projections from confirmed events and update the public as conditions change.
Does El Niño mean Nigeria is heading for disaster?
Not necessarily. El Niño increases the likelihood of certain climate-related impacts but does not determine precisely what will happen in every state.
The WMO has emphasised that even a very strong event does not produce equally severe effects everywhere. Local weather patterns and other climate drivers can alter its influence.
Nigeria’s priority should be to identify areas most vulnerable to heat and rainfall changes and prepare accordingly. Following NiMet’s updates and taking practical precautions can help reduce risks to public health, agriculture, water resources and electricity generation.
Ultimately, the challenge is not simply how strong El Niño becomes, but how effectively Nigeria prepares for its potential consequences.
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
To cushion the harsh impact of rising living costs, the Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport intervention for public service workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026, .
This was one of the outcomes of the conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Abuja on Tuesday, following renewed pressure from organised labour over the rising cost of living, workers’ welfare and outstanding agreements.
The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026, in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.
The parties did not agree on the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage, but agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meetings immediately.
The resolutions were contained in a memorandum of understanding signed at the end of the meeting by the Director-General of Budget, Timi Yakubu; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S.U.; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
The document made public after the meeting was tagged: ‘Resolutions Reached at a Conciliation Meeting Held at Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Between the Federal Government and the Leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday, 27th October, 2026’, outlined agreements on minimum wage negotiations, transport support, outstanding allowances, health workers’ remuneration, tax relief and hazard allowances for agricultural officers.
The meeting followed an earlier conciliation session held on October 22, 2026, convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to address disagreements between the government and organised labour.
On the transport intervention, the document stated, “That transport intervention of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) commencing from November 2026 would be paid across all levels for a period of six months.”
The agreement trails high transportation costs and the prices of other essential goods following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Organised labour has repeatedly demanded measures to ease the economic pressure on workers, including reductions in petrol prices, improved wages and the implementation of outstanding welfare agreements.
The memorandum also noted the NLC leadership’s concerns about the government’s handling of its demands.
Addressing the disagreement, it stated that the NLC leadership “expressed concern over the Federal Government’s attitude towards the above issues.”
It added that the Federal Government, in response, “stated that it fully respects the right of the Congress to advocate for improved working conditions for Nigerian workers, and is genuinely trying to address every aspect of it through a structured intervention.”
On the national minimum wage, the parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meetings immediately.
However, the effective date of implementation remained unresolved.
The document stated, “It was agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meeting immediately. It should however be noted that there is a disagreement on the effective date of implementation.”
The disagreement leaves a key issue outstanding despite the commitment to begin negotiations without delay.
The national minimum wage became a major issue in 2024 when the Federal Government and organised labour negotiated an increase in the statutory minimum monthly wage from N30,000 to N70,000. The new rate was subsequently enacted into law through the National Minimum Wage Act.
The latest agreement refers to further discussions and the implementation date of the national minimum wage but does not provide details of the specific proposal under consideration or when the parties expect to conclude the negotiations.
The agreement indicates that while the government has approved some financial interventions, other workers’ demands remain subject to further negotiations, administrative verification or decisions by relevant government bodies.
“Trump… Please bring my son back to me. I am begging you for mercy.” And what Trump did when he heard those words… may bring tears to your eyes.
Her name was Malphine. She was 95 years old. A mother who had spent years waiting. Hoping. Praying. And one day… she finally got the chance to meet Trump. And stood before him. With all the strength she had left. And spoke the only words in her heart. Please. Bring my son home.
And Trump looked at this 95-year-old mother. Held her hands. And gave her a promise. I will bring your son home.
And Malphine held on to that promise. The way only a mother of 95 can hold on to something. When hope is all she has left.
Days went by. Weeks went by. And then one morning… the news finally arrived. Her son Marc was coming home. After years away. After years inside a foreign prison. After years of a mother waking up every single day, wondering whether she would ever get to hold her child again.
He stepped off that plane. And returned home. And when Marc’s feet finally touched American soil… Trump was there. In person. To welcome him. To embrace him. To look him in the eyes and say… welcome home. America has not forgotten you.
And in that single embrace…
Trump showed the world something that no speech and no rally could ever truly express: That America cares about its people. Wholeheartedly. Unconditionally. And never gives up fighting for them.
And today… I sat thinking about that story. And remembered every harsh word I had ever spoken about this man. Every judgment. Every doubt. Every moment I chose to look away. And I felt something I can hardly describe. Deep shame.
Because Malphine trusted Trump at 95 years old. With all the hope she had left. And he helped bring her son home.
Today… this is the side of Trump that so many people may never take the time to see.
Not the Trump in the headlines. Not the Trump on the rally stage. Just a man. Who listened to a 95-year-old mother pleading for her son. Worked to help answer her prayers. And personally showed up to welcome him home.
If this story touched your heart today… let God and every American reading this feel your .
And tell me honestly, in your own words — after reading this… can you still speak badly about President Trump? Because I truly find it difficult to do so. Not anymore. Not after hearing this story.
Sons of Liberty. Maga Movement
–Calls for NSCDC reforms, compensation for victims
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
Dehydration was cause of the death of the detained miners, the panel constituted to investigate the deaths of alleged illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has stated.
The chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, while presenting the report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday, , said the miners suffered acute respiratory failure.
He also corrected the earlier reports that 37 miners died in custódy, saying 33 miners were confirmed dead.
He said the miners collapsed after calling for water and were ignored by the personnel of the NSCDC.
He added that the detention room was overcrowded and poorly ventilated.
He said the miners were illegally arrested and detained, stressing that they were all detained beyond the legally allowed period.
Part of the panel’s report called for a total reform of the NSCDC as well as solicited compensation for the victims.
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