EL NIÑO: LAGOS WARNS RESIDENTS OF POSSIBLE EXTREME HEAT
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By ‘Hotjist
The Lagos State Government has urged residents to prepare for possible extreme heat conditions and related environmental and public health challenges amid climate outlooks indicating rising temperatures across parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the advisory on Friday, urging residents to adopt preventive measures to protect their health and well-being.
Wahab explained that the strengthening El Niño climate pattern, alongside the seasonal transition into the dry season, could contribute to unusual temperature conditions, increased heat discomfort, dry spells, dust, and deteriorating air quality.
He noted that although the intensity and local impact of the conditions would depend on prevailing weather patterns, residents should take the emerging climate risks seriously and prepare adequately.
The commissioner said Lagos, as a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, could face heightened exposure to extreme heat.
“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.
He warned that the urban heat effect could make conditions particularly uncomfortable for residents of densely populated communities and informal settlements.
Wahab added that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, with potentially serious consequences if not promptly addressed.
According to him, children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers, and individuals with underlying health conditions were particularly vulnerable.
He therefore urged families, employers, schools, and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure that appropriate protective measures were in place to minimise the impact of the anticipated harsh weather conditions.
The commissioner also cautioned that extreme heat could worsen existing air-quality challenges, particularly during the dry season when dust and haze could increase respiratory irritation.
He said people living with respiratory conditions could experience aggravated symptoms, while increased reliance on petrol- and diesel-powered generators during power interruptions could further worsen local air pollution.
Wahab consequently advised residents to avoid open burning of refuse and adopt environmentally responsible practices.
He also urged them to drink sufficient water regularly, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, seek shade and well-ventilated spaces, and reduce 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 areas where people could take breaks.
The commissioner further urged residents to watch out for signs of heat-related illnesses, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea, and muscle cramps.
He advised that anyone experiencing such symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment, given appropriate cooling assistance and taken for medical attention where necessary.
“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,” he said.
Wahab emphasised that preparedness should extend beyond individual precautions, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, environmental experts, health institutions, businesses, and community stakeholders.
He also urged residents and businesses to support efforts to reduce urban heat by protecting existing trees, promoting tree planting, preserving green spaces, ensuring proper waste disposal, and discouraging activities that contribute to environmental degradation.
The commissioner stressed that environmental sustainability and climate resilience required collective responsibility, particularly as Lagos continued to address the effects of climate change and rapid urbanisation.
He assured residents that the ministry, through its relevant agencies, would continue to engage stakeholders and promote public awareness of emerging environmental risks.
Wahab added that the ministry would work with relevant institutions, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), to strengthen preparedness and response.
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