The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for extreme heat, prolonged dry spells and deteriorating air quality associated with the El Niño climate pattern and the onset of the dry season.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning on Friday, urging households, businesses and public institutions to adopt preventive measures to protect residents from heat-related illnesses.
Wahab said the strengthening El Niño pattern could bring higher temperatures, extended periods without rainfall, increased dust levels and worsening air pollution.
He explained that Lagos was particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because of its dense population and rapidly expanding urban environment, where buildings, roads and other concrete surfaces absorb and retain heat.
According to him, limited green spaces and poor ventilation in some neighbourhoods could worsen the urban heat effect, leaving residents of densely populated communities and informal settlements particularly exposed.
The commissioner warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause 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 with existing health conditions as particularly vulnerable groups requiring additional protection.
Wahab also expressed concern over the impact of rising temperatures on air quality, noting that dry-season dust and haze could worsen respiratory conditions.
He added that increased dependence on petrol and diesel generators during power outages could further contribute to air pollution in residential and commercial areas.
The commissioner urged residents to avoid open refuse burning and embrace environmentally responsible practices to reduce pollution.
To minimise exposure to excessive heat, he advised residents to drink sufficient water, wear light and breathable clothing, stay in shaded or well-ventilated places 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 spaces where people could rest.
Wahab urged residents to watch out for early 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 and take immediate steps to cool down, while seeking medical attention where 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 minimise exposure to dusty environments and monitor relevant health and air-quality advisories.