The Benue State Government should consider establishing public cooling centres at strategic locations across Makurdi, the state capital, as rising temperatures and increasingly oppressive heat make life uncomfortable for residents.
The heat in Makurdi is becoming unbearable, demanding practical interventions to protect residents from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Beyond the discomfort, extreme heat poses serious health risks, particularly to outdoor workers, traders, commuters, older people and those with underlying health conditions. Doing nothing is not an option when simple, well-planned interventions could provide some relief.
The urgency is heightened by concerns over the strengthening of El Niño, a climate phenomenon associated with changes in global weather patterns, including temperature and rainfall. In September, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) indicated that El Niño could strengthen into a very strong event and persist into early 2027. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) also warned that the phenomenon could affect rainfall patterns, including the duration of the rainy season and the timing of its cessation.
Forecasts of rising heat-related deaths worldwide further underscore the need for preparedness. If projections of additional heat-related fatalities by early 2027 materialise, the consequences could be devastating, particularly for vulnerable populations in countries with limited access to cooling facilities and other protective infrastructure.
For Benue, the outlook is especially concerning. March and April are typically among the hottest months in Makurdi, when the intensity of the heat can make ordinary daily activities exhausting. If current conditions offer any indication of what lies ahead, residents could face an even more challenging period in the coming months. The government should not wait until the heat becomes a public health emergency before taking preventive measures.
One practical response is the establishment of designated public cooling centres where residents can retreat from excessive heat, cool down, rehydrate and regain their strength before returning to their daily activities. Such facilities need not be elaborate or prohibitively expensive. With proper planning, the government could provide well-ventilated spaces equipped with fans, drinking water, shaded seating and, where feasible, air-conditioning.
Busy markets, motor parks, public squares and other high-traffic locations would be suitable sites for these centres. Solar-powered cooling facilities could also help reduce dependence on the public electricity supply and keep operating costs manageable. Their locations should be carefully selected to ensure that the people who need them most can access them easily.
Makurdi does not have to reinvent the wheel. Cities and countries confronting extreme heat have adopted various strategies to protect residents, including public cooling centres, shaded communal spaces, heat-health alerts and improved access to drinking water. Benue State can learn from these experiences and adapt workable solutions to local conditions.
Beyond establishing cooling centres, the government should consider a broader heat-response strategy that includes public awareness campaigns, early warnings during periods of extreme temperatures and guidance on recognising and responding to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Markets, schools, hospitals and transport hubs should also be encouraged to adopt practical measures that reduce exposure to excessive heat.
Ultimately, protecting residents from extreme weather is part of the responsibility of government. While no administration can control the weather, it can take reasonable steps to reduce its impact on the population. A modest investment in public cooling infrastructure could make a meaningful difference to thousands of residents who spend much of their day outdoors.
Makurdi needs cool stations. The people deserve some cool relief. The heat is not smiling, and the government should not look the other way.
