The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for extreme heat, prolonged dry spells and deteriorating air quality amid concerns over the potential effects of the El Niño climate phenomenon.9
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the advisory, urging residents to adopt preventive measures to protect themselves against heat-related illnesses.
Wahab identified children, pregnant women, elderly persons, outdoor workers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable to excessive heat.
He explained that Lagos’ dense population, rapid urbanisation, limited green spaces and heat-absorbing surfaces such as roads and buildings could worsen the impact of rising temperatures.
The commissioner advised residents to drink sufficient water, wear lightweight clothing, stay in shaded and well-ventilated areas, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
He also urged families, schools, employers and community leaders to pay particular attention to vulnerable persons and ensure access to drinking water and shaded resting areas.
According to the advisory, the dry-season transition could bring increased dust and haze, potentially worsening air quality and aggravating respiratory conditions.
Wahab cautioned residents against open burning of refuse and urged those with respiratory illnesses to minimise exposure to dusty environments.
He further advised residents to watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps.
The commissioner stressed that severe symptoms, particularly collapse or loss of consciousness, should be treated as a medical emergency.
He said the state government would continue collaborating with relevant agencies to strengthen public awareness and preparedness.
Wahab also encouraged residents to plant trees, preserve green spaces and adopt environmentally friendly practices to help reduce urban heat.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon involving unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence global temperature and rainfall patterns, although its effects vary across regions.
The government urged residents to remain attentive to official weather and public-health advisories.