Lagos warns residents to prepare for extreme heat and health risks

The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat and related environmental and public health challenges. The advisory comes as climate outlooks indicate rising temperatures across parts of Africa, including Nigeria.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning on Friday. He urged residents to take preventive measures to protect their health.

Wahab explained that a strengthening El Niño climate pattern, combined with the transition into the dry season, could bring unusual temperatures, increased heat discomfort, dry spells, dust, and poor air quality. He noted that Lagos is a densely populated coastal city, which makes it more exposed to extreme heat. Built-up areas with many buildings, roads, and few green spaces can trap heat and raise temperatures further.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Wahab listed children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers, and people with underlying health conditions as the most vulnerable.

Families, employers, schools, and community leaders must protect these groups. Extreme heat can also worsen air quality during the dry season due to dust, haze, and the use of petrol and diesel generators during power cuts. Wahab advised residents to stop open burning of refuse and dispose of waste properly.

Wahab gave several tips to stay safe. Residents should drink enough water, wear lightweight clothing, stay in the shade or well-ventilated areas, and reduce hard outdoor work when the sun is hottest.

Schools, markets, and workplaces should provide drinking water, shade, and ventilation. Watch out for signs of heat illness like dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, and excessive sweating. If someone collapses, treat it as a medical emergency.

Wahab called for cooperation between government bodies, health institutions, businesses, and communities. The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources will work with NIMET, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and LASEMA to strengthen preparedness.