El Niño: Lagos warns residents of possible extreme heat

Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab

The Lagos State Government has warned children, pregnant women, elderly persons and outdoor workers to take precautions against possible extreme heat conditions.

The conditions are linked to the strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season.

The government said the conditions could bring unusual temperature increases, dry spells, dust and deteriorating air quality, with potential risks to public health.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning in a Friday statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.

Wahab said Lagos, as a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, could face heightened exposure to extreme heat.

He explained that the concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure, alongside limited green spaces and poor ventilation in some neighbourhoods, could worsen the situation.

“The concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure, coupled with limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighbourhoods, could intensify temperatures in built-up areas,” he said.

The commissioner warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, with potentially serious consequences if not treated promptly.

He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.

Wahab urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure that appropriate protective measures were put in place.

He also cautioned that extreme heat could worsen existing air-quality challenges, particularly during the dry season when dust and haze could increase respiratory irritation.

According to him, people with respiratory conditions could experience aggravated symptoms, while increased reliance on petrol- and diesel-powered generators during power outages could further worsen local air pollution.

He advised residents to avoid open burning of refuse and adopt environmentally friendly practices.

The commissioner urged residents to drink sufficient water regularly, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, seek shade and well-ventilated spaces, and avoid 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 take breaks.

Wahab urged residents to watch out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.

“Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.

“Residents with respiratory conditions are also advised to limit exposure to dusty environments and follow relevant health and air-quality advisories,” the statement added.

The commissioner called for collaboration among government agencies, environmental experts, health institutions, businesses and community stakeholders to strengthen preparedness.

He also urged residents and businesses to protect existing trees, plant more trees, preserve green spaces and ensure proper waste disposal to reduce urban heat and environmental degradation.

Wahab assured residents that the ministry would continue to raise awareness about emerging environmental risks and work with relevant institutions, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the state Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, to strengthen preparedness and response.