Heatwave: Nigerians Lament Epileptic Power Supply, High Energy Costs

The current heatwave across some parts of the country has continued to take its toll on the disposable income available to average Nigerians.

In separate interviews with correspondents, some residents of Lagos and a few other states lamented the untold hardship they have experienced due to the phenomenon.

They argued that despite their meagre income, an attempt to find a sustainable solution to the development had left very deep holes in their finances.

Many said they had to contend with the purchase of fuel, creams, soaps, water, and powders to cushion the impact of the heatwave on their skin.

Some respondents also took a swipe at the epileptic power supply and the high energy cost as factors increasing Nigerians’ cost of living.

Olufunke Dada, a resident of Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, said the current heatwave in Lagos is high and causing people to spend more on energy supply.

“When I  go out, there is always water in my bag. Also, I wear sunshade eyeglasses. The scorching sun is something else.

“I usually stay outside, but whenever I am home, I stay under the tree. I spend more on dusting powder. I sleep on the tiles; even with that, I bathe two to three times before dawn,” Ms Dada said.

For Amina James, a resident of Lekki, the heatwave has been so terrible.

“The good thing is that I have been well informed about hydration,” said Ms James. “I drink a lot of water and bathe several times a day. I always go out with hand fans to bring down the temperature.”

Benjamin Mordi, a resident of Jakande Estate, Isolo, said the heatwave has been challenging, as he had abandoned his bedroom for over three months to sleep in the parlour in search of breeze

Efosa Aigbe, a resident of Lekki, said the heatwave has been scorchy, adding that even with the air conditioner, the heat can still be felt.

Mr Aigbe said he had resorted to taking water at room temperature regularly to avoid dehydration.

Elochukwu Egwu, a resident of Enugu, admitted that the heatwave has been biting hard and worsened by “the segregation of people into different electricity bands (A, B, C).”

“Most people don’t even have electricity to cushion the impact,” he said.

“Here in Enugu, water is a great challenge. Many people have to wait till the night before they can take their bath because of the water challenge.”

Bola Yekini, a resident of Ikorodu, said the heatwave had dealt a heavy blow on her, adding that she had heat rashes all over her body, which itches terribly whenever it is sunny.

Ms Yekini said the epileptic power supply in her area makes the heatwave worse.

In his view, Emmanuel Oladipo, a retired professor of climatology, said heatwaves have become a reality in the era of global warming

Mr Oladipo said it is an occurrence that will happen before the rainy season sets in. He advised residents of the northern parts of the country to do everything possible to guard against meningitis.

“The government should do the needful to provide electricity

“Nigerians should prepare for it by ensuring that they live in apartments that allow natural breeze, and they should always ensure that their windows are open for free flow of air,” Mr Oladipo said

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on February 19 predicted a prolonged heatwave across the country.

In its weather outlook, the agency said the maximum temperature reports across the country were mainly between 38 – 40℃.

NiMet said air temperatures were expected to stay within this band and rise slightly in some locations. It advised the public to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration.

(NAN)