The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat, rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality as climate concerns linked to the El Niño pattern raise the risk of unusual weather conditions across parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the advisory on Friday, urging residents to take precautions to protect their health and prevent heat-related illnesses.
Wahab said the stronger El Niño climate pattern, alongside the onset of the dry season, could bring higher temperatures, longer dry spells, increased dust and poorer air quality.
He said the severity and local effects would depend on prevailing weather conditions but urged residents to take the risks seriously and prepare accordingly.
The commissioner said Lagos, a densely populated and rapidly growing coastal city, could be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because buildings, roads and other surfaces absorb and retain heat.
He explained that limited green spaces and poor ventilation in some areas could worsen the urban heat effect, making conditions more uncomfortable in crowded communities and informal settlements.
Wahab warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which could have serious health consequences if not promptly addressed.
He identified children, older people, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with existing health conditions as particularly vulnerable.
The commissioner urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay attention to these groups and ensure they receive adequate protection.
He also warned that extreme heat could worsen air quality, particularly during the dry season, when increased dust and haze could aggravate respiratory problems.
Wahab said increased reliance on petrol and diesel generators during power outages could further contribute to local air pollution.
He advised residents against open refuse burning and encouraged environmentally friendly practices to help reduce pollution.
The commissioner recommended drinking enough water, wearing light and breathable clothing, staying in shaded or well-ventilated places and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
He also called on schools, markets, workplaces and other public facilities to provide adequate ventilation, drinking water and shaded areas where people could rest.
Wahab urged residents to watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.
He said anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler location, helped to cool down and taken for medical care when necessary.
“Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency and needs immediate attention,” he said.
The commissioner further advised people living with respiratory conditions to limit exposure to dusty environments and follow relevant health and air-quality advisories.
The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the health and environmental effects of rising temperatures, particularly in urban centres where population density and infrastructure could intensify exposure to extreme heat.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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