The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, has attributed the delayed onset of the Harmattan season across South-Western Nigeria to the effects of climate change.
Based on the technical release from the Climate Change Department of the Ministry, the Commissioner stated that Harmattan, which traditionally begins in December and extends into January, failed to commence at the expected time in December 2025. This resulted in prolonged daytime heat, high humidity and cases of unseasonal rainfall across the region until early January 2026.
The technical assessment explained that the delay was caused by residual moisture from the dominant South-West winds, which suppressed the southward movement of the dry and dusty North-East trade winds that normally usher in the Harmattan season.
According to the release, evaluations by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) linked the unusual weather pattern to global warming arising from increased greenhouse gas concentrations, urban heat island effects and altered atmospheric circulation.
The report noted that these factors weakened and delayed the trade winds, leading to the late arrival of Harmattan around mid-January 2026, which is expected to be weaker and shorter in duration.
Aluko-Ajisafe advised residents, particularly those vulnerable to dust-related allergies, to take necessary health precautions during the Harmattan period, including the use of face masks and increased water intake.
She also urged farmers to exercise caution in planting decisions and adjust agricultural calendars to accommodate climate-induced seasonal shifts.
The Commissioner further emphasised the need to strengthen climate monitoring systems, intensify reforestation and tree-planting efforts, and promote a gradual transition from non-renewable to renewable energy sources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
She assured that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would continue regular public sensitisation programmes to deepen understanding of climate change and its implications across Ekiti State.
