Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has issued a public health and environmental advisory warning residents of possible extreme heat conditions linked to a strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season, urging everyone to stay hydrated and take protective measures.
In a statement released over the weekend, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab said the combination of rising temperatures, dry spells, and urban conditions could intensify heat discomfort, dehydration, respiratory challenges, and poorer air quality across the state.
“As a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures,” Wahab said. “Our densely built-up neighbourhoods, roads and limited green spaces can intensify the urban heat effect, making conditions more challenging for many residents.”
He noted that the anticipated conditions pose heightened risks to vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers, and people with underlying health conditions.
Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heatstroke if not addressed promptly, the commissioner warned. Residents were also cautioned about possible increases in dust and haze that could worsen air quality and trigger respiratory issues.
Wahab advised Lagosians to take the following precautions:
- Stay well hydrated by drinking sufficient clean water regularly.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
- Wear light, lightweight, and breathable clothing.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities when temperatures peak.
- Seek shade and well-ventilated spaces.
- Avoid open burning of refuse, which can further degrade air quality.
He called on community leaders, market associations, schools, business owners, employers, and managers of public facilities to prioritise access to clean drinking water, shaded areas, and proper ventilation—particularly for those working outdoors and other at-risk groups.
Wahab also urged residents to recognise early symptoms of heat-related illness, such as excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, and muscle cramps. Anyone showing these signs should be moved to a cooler environment immediately, cooled down, and given medical attention if necessary. Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency.
Beyond immediate steps, the commissioner emphasised longer-term environmental responsibility. “Beyond immediate precautions, we must confront the environmental factors that worsen urban heat. Protect our trees, plant more, preserve our green spaces, dispose of waste responsibly and desist from activities that degrade our environment,” he said.
The advisory comes as Lagos prepares for the drier months, when temperatures typically rise and the urban heat island effect becomes more pronounced in the megacity’s densely developed areas. Officials stressed that while the exact intensity will depend on prevailing weather patterns, early preparation is essential to protect public health and wellbeing.
Residents are encouraged to follow official updates and take the advisory seriously as the dry season approaches.
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