Climate change-induced heatwaves in Nigeria: Causes, challenges, and adaptive strategies

Heatwave issues is a major environmental concern in Nigeria. This study examines the increasing issues associated with climate change-related heatwaves, focusing on Nigeria. Considering the geographical vulnerability, socioeconomic, rapid urbanisation, infrastructure, and policy implementation deficit factors linked to Nigeria, this study aims to provide insight into the effects of prolonged high temperatures on the environment, human health, agriculture, infrastructure, economic stability, and the ecosystem. Relevant weather data and climate trends from 1980 to 2099 were collected from Scopus, web of science, google scholar, Research gate, PubMed, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the World Bank databases for review. This study used the standard, systematic and bibliographic review of literature to which followed the Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to analyse the retrieved literatures. The research reveals that the challenges associated with high-intensity heat events include severe health risks, increased mortality from heat-related illnesses, reduced productivity (agriculture and labour outputs), water scarcity, strain on energy resources, and socio-economic inequalities. The health risks include heat exhaustion, dehydration and cardiovascular complications. The most significant risk bearers are the vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, and low-income earners). Both short and long-term remedial actions are required to lessen the negative effects of heatwaves, including early warning systems, provision of healthcare services for vulnerable populations and providing heat-resilient infrastructure, afforestation, reforestation programs and promoting sustainable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.