The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat, citing climate projections indicating rising temperatures across parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Friday, urging residents to take precautionary measures to protect their health and minimise the environmental impact of rising temperatures.
Wahab attributed the potential heat conditions to the strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the seasonal transition into the dry season, which could trigger unusual temperature increases, prolonged dry spells, dust and deteriorating air quality.
He noted that although the severity of the conditions would depend on prevailing weather patterns, Lagos residents should not underestimate the potential risks.
According to the commissioner, the state’s dense population, rapid urbanisation and concentration of heat-absorbing infrastructure could make residents particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
He explained that buildings, roads and other infrastructure, combined with limited green spaces and poor ventilation in some neighbourhoods, could intensify the urban heat effect.
Wahab warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could result in dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people living with underlying health conditions as groups at greater risk.
The commissioner called on families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to vulnerable individuals and ensure adequate protective measures are in place.
He also warned that rising temperatures could worsen air pollution during the dry season, particularly as increased dust and haze could aggravate respiratory conditions.
Wahab added that increased dependence on petrol and diesel-powered generators during electricity disruptions could further contribute to local air pollution.
He therefore urged residents to avoid open burning of refuse and embrace environmentally friendly practices.
As part of preventive measures, residents were advised to drink water regularly, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, stay in shaded and well-ventilated areas, and minimise strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
Schools, markets, workplaces and other public facilities were also encouraged to provide adequate ventilation, drinking water and shaded spaces.
The commissioner further urged residents to watch out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.
He advised anyone experiencing such symptoms to move to a cooler environment, receive immediate cooling assistance and seek medical attention where necessary.
Wahab stressed that sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Residents with respiratory conditions were also advised to minimise exposure to dusty environments and comply with relevant health and air-quality advisories.
Beyond individual precautions, the commissioner called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, environmental experts, healthcare institutions, businesses and community stakeholders to strengthen climate preparedness.
He urged residents and businesses to support efforts to reduce urban heat by protecting existing trees, planting more trees, preserving green spaces, ensuring proper waste disposal and discouraging environmental degradation.
Wahab emphasised that environmental sustainability and climate resilience required collective responsibility, particularly as Lagos continued to grapple with the effects of climate change and rapid urbanisation.
He assured residents that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, through its relevant agencies, would sustain public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
He added that the ministry would collaborate with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Lagos State Ministry of Health and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to strengthen preparedness and response to potential heat-related challenges.
