CLIMATE CHANGE AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN NIGERIA: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS, VULNERABILITIES, IMPLICATIONS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
Abstract
Climate change is an increasingly important environmental and public health challenge in Nigeria. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, flooding, drought, air pollution and other climate-related environmental changes can affect human health through direct and indirect pathways. These effects include heat-related illnesses, injuries, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, food and water insecurity, malnutrition and mental health problems. The health consequences are particularly important in Nigeria because of socioeconomic inequalities, rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure and unequal access to essential health services. This review examines the relationship between climate change and public health in Nigeria, focusing on major environmental health risks, vulnerable populations, implications for the health system and adaptation strategies. Evidence indicates that children, pregnant women, older adults, low-income households, outdoor workers, rural populations and displaced persons may experience disproportionate climate-related health risks. Recent Nigerian evidence demonstrates concerns regarding extreme heat, respiratory health, flooding, water-related diseases and food insecurity. Nigeria has developed important policy and institutional mechanisms, including the National Climate Change Policy 2021–2030, the Climate Change Act 2021 and the National Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment. However, implementation, surveillance, financing, infrastructure and intersectoral coordination remain important challenges. Effective adaptation requires climate-resilient health facilities, strengthened disease surveillance and early-warning systems, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, environmental health education, community participation and stronger integration of health into climate policies. The review concludes that protecting population health from climate change requires a coordinated multisectoral approach that places health at the centre of environmental and climate action in Nigeria.