Nigeria’s Harmattan season has shown unusual patterns this year, particularly in Northern Nigeria, raising concerns among climate experts and residents.
Traditionally, the Harmattan period between November and February is marked by intense cold, dry winds and dusty conditions.
However, the 2025/2026 season has been noticeably different, with inconsistent coldness and changing weather patterns, which experts attribute to climate change and global warming.
Speaking in an interview with The News Chronicle on Monday in Maiduguri, an agricultural expert, Malam Sule Rabiu, explained that the changes being experienced are clear signs of the impact of global warming on the region’s climate.
According to him, the environment in Northern Nigeria, especially in Borno State, is becoming increasingly vulnerable due to human activities and poor environmental management.
Malam Rabiu noted that Borno State, particularly its northern parts, lies close to the Sahara and sub-Saharan desert zones, making it highly prone to desertification.
He said factors such as prolonged drought, deforestation, bush burning, and land degradation have worsened the situation over the years.
“These weather changes are happening because of climate change and global warming,” he said.
“If care is not taken, they will seriously affect the lives of Nigerians and may even lead to an increase in diseases such as cancer due to environmental pollution and exposure to harmful conditions.”
He recalled that in previous years, forest rangers actively worked to prevent indiscriminate bush burning and illegal felling of trees. However, he lamented that such efforts have weakened, allowing deforestation to continue unchecked in many areas.
“Some years back, forest rangers were fighting people who were destroying bushes and cutting down trees, but today the story is different,” he said. “This is contributing greatly to environmental degradation and climate change.”
Malam Rabiu also pointed to global factors, stressing that climate change is not only a local problem but a worldwide challenge. He cited industrial pollution, particularly in countries like China, which he said contributes significantly to global air pollution and, by extension, global warming.
“Global warming is something bad, and it is affecting the whole world,” he said. “For example, China alone accounts for about 20 per cent of global air pollution, and this is adding to the problem we are facing today.”
He warned that if urgent action is not taken by both the federal and state governments, the consequences could be severe in the coming decades.
According to him, failure to address deforestation, bush burning, and environmental neglect could result in loss of lives due to extreme climate conditions and related health challenges.
“Within the next 20 years, if the government does not take serious action against deforestation, bush burning, and other harmful practices, many people may lose their lives due to the effects of climate change,” he warned.
Malam Rabiu urged the Federal Government to promote the use of cleaner energy sources by replacing firewood with cooking gas for households and encouraging the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles.
He also emphasized the need for widespread public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of bush burning and deforestation.
According to him, adopting cleaner energy, protecting forests, and enforcing environmental laws are critical steps Nigeria must take to reduce the impact of climate change and protect the health and livelihoods of its citizens.
