The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the potential effects of a developing El Niño phenomenon, warning of possible extreme heat, drought, flooding and food shortages.

In an advisory issued on Monday titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community,” the agency outlined eight measures individuals and communities can adopt to reduce the risks.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon caused by warmer-than-normal sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can disrupt global weather patterns, affecting rainfall and temperatures, although its impact varies across regions.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its 2026 seasonal climate prediction update, reported the onset of a strong El Niño event and warned of potential implications for Nigeria’s rainfall patterns and temperatures.

NEMA advised Nigerians to prepare for extreme heat by drinking clean water regularly, wearing light clothing, avoiding direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and checking on children, elderly people and other vulnerable residents.

The agency also urged households to conserve water, repair leaking pipes, store clean water safely and maintain proper sanitation to protect against waterborne diseases.

To improve food security, NEMA recommended storing essential food supplies, supporting local farming and home gardening, protecting livestock and poultry, and adopting drought-resistant crops and improved farming practices.

It further encouraged Nigerians to protect their health by preventing dehydration, maintaining clean surroundings, practising proper hygiene and seeking medical attention promptly when unwell. People were also advised to diversify their income sources and explore available agricultural support programmes.

NEMA called on communities to strengthen emergency preparedness, share early-warning information, assist vulnerable residents and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.

The agency urged the public to follow updates from NEMA, NiMet and other reliable media organisations, and to comply with official weather advisories and safety warnings.