By Quazeem Halimot Bukola
The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat, dehydration and heatstroke amid an emerging El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season.
The government said the state could experience unusual temperature conditions, dry spells, increased dust and deteriorating air quality, urging residents, employers and school authorities to adopt precautionary measures.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Friday, noting that Lagos’s dense population, rapid urbanisation and concentration of heat-absorbing infrastructure could worsen the effects of rising temperatures.
According to Wahab, buildings, roads and other infrastructure, combined with limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighbourhoods, could intensify heat, particularly in densely populated areas and informal settlements.
He cautioned that prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which may result in serious health complications if not treated promptly.
The commissioner identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
He urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure they have access to drinking water, shade and adequately ventilated spaces.
Wahab also warned that rising temperatures could worsen the state’s existing air-quality challenges, particularly during the dry season when dust and haze could aggravate respiratory problems.
He noted that people living with respiratory conditions might experience worsening symptoms, while increased reliance on petrol- and diesel-powered generators during power outages could further contribute to air pollution in some communities.
The commissioner advised residents to avoid burning refuse and take measures to minimise exposure to excessive heat and polluted air.
He recommended drinking sufficient water regularly, wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, seeking shade and well-ventilated environments, and reducing strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
Wahab further called on schools, markets, workplaces and other public facilities to provide adequate ventilation, drinking water and shaded areas where people could rest.
He urged residents to recognise symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps, advising that anyone experiencing such symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment and given immediate cooling assistance.
He added that affected individuals should receive medical attention when necessary, while sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency.
Residents with respiratory conditions were also advised to limit exposure to dusty environments and follow relevant health and air-quality advisories.
Beyond individual precautions, Wahab called for coordinated efforts among government agencies, health institutions, businesses, environmental experts and community stakeholders to strengthen preparedness for emerging climate-related risks.
He encouraged residents and businesses to protect existing trees, plant more trees, preserve green spaces, dispose of waste properly and discourage activities that contribute to environmental degradation.
The commissioner assured residents that the state government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and its agencies, would continue public awareness campaigns and collaborate with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to improve preparedness and response to potential environmental challenges.
