Nigeria recorded its first rainfall of 2024, yesterday, as light showers washed some parts of Lagos, the nation’s economic capital.
For about 20 minutes, areas like Ishashi, and Iba LCDA, Surulere, Anthony Village, Ojuelegba and Akoka among others had light showers that were almost immediately replaced by sunny weather.
Specifically, at University of Lagos, Akoka, the rain was slightly heavy and affected the commissioning of Hon Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of residence, which was donated by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
This is the earliest rainfall in Nigeria in six years. The last time Nigeria had first rain before January 3 was in 2018 when rain fell on January 1 at Gbogi-Iwonja, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In 2019, Lagos had its first rain on January 20. In 2020, it was January 13; and 2021 (January 4).
In 2022, the first rain in Nigeria was on January 10 at Aba and Umuahia in Abia State; and last year it was on January 22 in Lagos.
Speaking on the issue, a professor of Environmental Management and Sustainability, Professor Chidi Nzeadibe said the January 3 showers in Lagos might have been triggered by climate change.
According to Professor Nzeadibe of the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, “The early rainfall event in Lagos and Port Harcourt may be attributed to the climate change phenomenon. The usual pattern of climate may be experiencing some shift with early and increased rainfall in the coastal locations like Lagos and Port Harcourt and increased drought and late commencement of rainfall in more inland locations.
“There is also a possibility of an increase in the rate and frequency of flooding in some locations. Overall, the pattern of the climate of a place will seem to undergo a change, making it experience some extreme events in recent times.”
Professor Ifeanyi Enete, of the Geography Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, shared Nzeadibe’ thoughts.
He said: “Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns in Nigeria and contributing to irregular rainfall events outside of the traditional rainy season. It is important to note that climate change can alter the timing, intensity and duration of rainfall events, which can lead to flooding in dry seasons.”
Source | Vanguard
