Residents of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, woke on Sunday to an unusual haze marked by thick fog, dusty air and a pungent smell, prompting fears over air quality and potential health risks.
The sudden change in atmospheric conditions left many residents struggling to breathe comfortably, particularly those who ventured outdoors early in the day.
Churchgoers who stepped out in the morning described the air as heavy and irritating, with several reporting burning eyes, a peppery sensation in the throat and difficulty breathing normally.
Health and environmental experts attribute the phenomenon to seasonal dry weather patterns, notably the harmattan, dust-laden winds that blow from the Sahara Desert across large parts of West Africa at this time of year.
These winds carry fine particles of sand, smoke and other pollutants, greatly reducing air quality and visibility.
According to specialists, inhaling dusty and polluted air can irritate the lungs, eyes, throat and skin, and may worsen existing respiratory conditions.
Children, older people and individuals with asthma or other breathing-related illnesses are considered particularly vulnerable.
Medical practitioners advise residents, especially those with respiratory challenges, to limit outdoor exposure where possible, stay well hydrated and take precautions to reduce the inhalation of dust particles during the period.
While the haze is not unusual during the dry season, its intensity on Sunday caught many by surprise. For now, residents say they are hoping for clearer skies and cleaner air in the days ahead as weather conditions stabilise.
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