The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat conditions, 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, issued the advisory on Friday, urging residents to adopt preventive measures to protect their health and minimise exposure to heat-related illnesses.
Wahab explained that the strengthening El Niño climate pattern, alongside the seasonal transition into the dry season, could contribute to unusually high temperatures, prolonged dry spells, increased dust levels and worsening air quality.
Although the severity and local effects would depend on prevailing weather conditions, he said residents should take the emerging climate risks seriously and prepare adequately.
The commissioner noted that Lagos, as a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, could be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because of its concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure.
He explained that limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighbourhoods could intensify the urban heat effect, making temperatures particularly uncomfortable in densely populated communities and informal settlements.
Wahab warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which could have serious health consequences if not promptly addressed.
He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.
He urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure that appropriate protective measures were put in place.
The commissioner also warned that extreme heat could worsen existing air-quality challenges, particularly during the dry season when increased dust and haze could aggravate respiratory conditions.
He added that increased dependence on petrol- and diesel-powered generators during power interruptions could further contribute to local air pollution.
Wahab consequently advised residents to avoid open burning of refuse and adopt environmentally responsible practices to reduce pollution.
He recommended drinking sufficient water regularly, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, seeking shade and well-ventilated spaces, 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 take breaks.
On recognising heat-related illnesses, the commissioner urged residents to watch out for symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.
He advised that anyone experiencing these 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,” he said.
Wahab 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 implications of rising temperatures, particularly in urban centres where population density and infrastructure can intensify exposure to extreme heat.