Manny Ita
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued an urgent weather advisory late Friday, January 30, 2026, warning of a significant deterioration in horizontal visibility across the North-Central and Northern regions due to an intensifying Harmattan dust haze. The agency reported that a massive dust plume, originating from the Chad and Niger Republics, is being transported into Nigerian territory by northeasterly winds blowing at speeds of 20 to 25 knots. Consequently, visibility in major northern hubs—including Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Maiduguri—is expected to drop below 1,500 meters overnight, with localized areas in Jigawa and Yobe potentially seeing visibility plunge to 1,000 meters or less.
The sharp decline in visibility is expected to have a direct impact on aviation and land transportation. NiMet has cautioned airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation to ensure safe operational planning, as the thick haze could lead to significant delays or cancellations for early morning flights scheduled for Saturday, January 31. Motorists traveling through these regions have also been advised to exercise extreme caution and use fog lights or hazard lights where necessary.
Beyond travel disruptions, the agency highlighted significant health risks associated with the suspension of fine dust particles in the atmosphere. “People with asthmatic conditions and other respiratory health issues are advised to exercise extra caution and limit outdoor exposure during this period,” the advisory noted. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and wear protective masks to mitigate the irritant effects of the dust. While slight improvements in visibility are expected in the North-Central region by Saturday afternoon, the thick haze is forecast to persist across the far northern states through the weekend.
