Environment
Why Do We Have Harmattan In Nigeria
Harmattan is caused by north-easterly trade wind, blown from the Sahara Desert over the West African Sub-region. As the Saharan wind passes, it collects or lifts Particulate Matter ranging from ultrafine particles – > 0.1 nano meter in diameter to fine particles – 0.1 – 10 micro meter in diameter; popularly known as Dust. This phenomenon leads to low temperature, reducing radiation from the sun, low visibility and increases air pollution.
Should we be concerned about Harmattan?
Yes. During harmattan air quality worsens as dust get mixed with existing emissions from industries, construction sites, vehicles, fossil fuel burning, etc. The harmattan season poses environment and public health challenges especially respiratory and cardiovascular health problems which may increase morbidity and mortality, hence the need for seasonal mitigation plans.
Fine particles, especially PM2.5,poses the greatest risk as they can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream and affect the lungs and heart. The sensitive groups are at greater risk to air pollution, these include children and infants, the elderly, people with existing respiratory diseases (asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease etc.), people with ischaemic heart disease (angina pectoris), expectant mothers etc. Other short-term health effects include irritation of the eye, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, etc.
What can Government and individuals do?
Below are some mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce environment and health impact of harmattan:
1. Government should enforce “Construction of Dust Emission Mitigation Measures” for all site dust management: This should be stated in the environmental management plan (EMP) and Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for implementation in all construction companies.
2. Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Educate and sensitise farmers on minimum tillage practice, etc. to keep soil covered with plant residues. Better soil management techniques to reduce/control wind erosion in cropland, provide protective barriers.
3. Sustainable landscape management of cropland, grassland, dune fields, mines and building sites and establishment of vegetation cover tree crops/shrubs.
4. Early warning signs. Government should provide early warning signs, forecast and enlightenment programmes for the public to take personal care and prevent exposure especially areas with higher vulnerability. This is where Air Quality Monitoring becomes important.
Personal Care Measures:
1. Avoid/Reduce outdoor activities at peak hours especially sensitive groups (i.e., children, elderly, people with existing respiratory diseases such as asthma etc.)
2. Practice regular sprinkling of water to reduce dust emission in your surrounding
3. Wear face/Nose mask during outdoor activities
4. Close your windows/doors to prevent outdoor polluted air.
5. Drink plenty of water regularly to keep hydrated.
6. Keep warm.
7. Wash your eyes with clean water if you feel irritated.
8. Apply moisturising lotion/cream to keep your skin moisturised.
9. Seek medical help if you feel sick.
10. Keep updated with daily weather and air quality forecast.
This was disclosed in a keynote address by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Joseph Utsev, at the AFO public presentation at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, organised by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NiHSA, with the theme ‘Smart Water Resources Management: Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy’.
Utsev acknowledged that early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses, saying that, as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving flood forecasts and preparedness, is the modernisation of the national hydrological monitoring networks.
The minister also said his ministry is strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, to ensure better integration of weather and water information, as it is critical for delivering reliable forecasts that support farmers, disaster managers, urban planners, and other key sectors of the economy.
He said AFO is therefore not just a scientific report, it is a call to action by all in terms of preparation ahead of the flood season, as early information saves lives, livelihoods, protects infrastructure, and reduces economic losses.
However, the minister acknowledged that forecasts alone are not sufficient if the information does not translate into action at the community level, which he said his Ministry is working with other relevant government agencies to mitigate the impacts of flooding.
Meanwhile, the 2026 AFO presentation had in attendance President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Others present were the federal ministries: Water Resources and Sanitation; Livestock Development, Environment and Women Affairs.
Others include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, State Governments, Service Chiefs, development partners and the media.
He said: “The 2026 flood forecast presented today provides us with the following general highlights: High Flood Risk: 14,118 communities in 266 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 States and FCT fall within the high flood risk areas. The States are: Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.
“Moderate Flood Risk: 15,597 Communities in 405 LGAs, 35 states except Ekiti State, will experience moderate flood risk.
“Low Flood Risk: Incidences of minimal flood is expected in 923 communities in 77 LGAs in 24 States. The States are Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.
“Flash and Urban Flooding: Flash and urban flooding are projected in major cities in the country due to high rainfall intensities, low attention to management of water facilities including drainage systems, waterways and lack of flood resilience structures. Cities such as Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin–Kebbi, Calabar, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Nguru, Onitsha, Oshogbo, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yola, among others are to experience these categories of flood incidence.
“Coastal and Riverine Flooding: Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo are to experience coastal flooding due to rise in sea level and tidal surge and this would impact on fishing, wildlife habitation and river navigation.”
He also emphasised that, “As we transition toward a water-based economy, we must recognize that water security is national security. Effective water governance will play a critical role in ensuring food security, supporting economic diversification, and improving the overall well-being of our citizens.”
However, the Minister called on State andand Local Governments including communities to start preparation to mitigate the impacts of the predicted flood.
“I therefore call on state governments, local authorities, disaster management agencies, farmers, and community leaders to carefully study the findings and advisories contained in this document and take the necessary steps to prepare for the coming flood season.
“Furthermore, we are encouraging state governments to integrate flood risk considerations into land-use planning, urban development, and infrastructure design.
“Floodplains must be properly managed, drainage systems must be improved, and communities must be empowered to adapt to changing climate conditions.
“Preparedness remains the most effective strategy for reducing flood risks. When we plan ahead, we protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and preserve economic gains. Let us commit to building a safer, more resilient and more water-secure nation.”
Earlier, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, NiHSA, said the 2026 AFO aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda in terms of economic diversification, infrastructure development, climate resilience, food security and sustainable water management.
Mohammed also explained that, “The AFO has evolved into an important national planning instrument that provides early scientific prediction of flood risks in the country, evidence-based guide for decision-makers and platform for emergency coordination among stakeholders.
“In producing this year’s forecast, the Agency undertook a comprehensive and data-driven process to provide tailored information for high-risk flood zones and flash floods in urban cities and towns.
“Building on the success achieved through AFO publications, we have upgraded from reporting flood forecast to Flood Risk Intelligence Architecture and from the traditional modelling to Hybrid AI-Integrated Modelling system to improve forecast reliability, reduce false alarms and improve the lead time accuracy.
“Not these alone, the modelling for the 2026 forecast have been conducted in-house. This marks a strategic shift toward enhancing capacity building, manpower development and institutional resilience.”
