The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take precautions against possible extreme heat as the dry season approaches and the El Niño climate challenge strengthens. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning in a statement. He attributed the state's vulnerability to its high population density, rapid urbanisation, limited green spaces, and built-up environment.
Wahab warned that rising temperatures could worsen dehydration, heat discomfort, respiratory problems, and poor air quality, particularly among children, older persons, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. The anticipated conditions could increase heat discomfort, dehydration, respiratory challenges, and poor air quality. The government is taking steps to strengthen public awareness and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
In his advisory, Wahab urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Residents were also advised to avoid open burning of refuse and prioritise access to clean drinking water, shaded areas, and proper ventilation.
The government stressed that households, communities, and businesses all have a role to play in protecting public health and making Lagos more resilient to climate-related challenges. The state's densely built-up neighbourhoods, roads, and limited green spaces can intensify the urban heat effect, making conditions more challenging for many residents.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. It can disrupt atmospheric circulation and influence rainfall and temperature patterns in different parts of the world. The government is working to improve preparedness and response to extreme heat.
Wahab called on every Lagos resident, community leader, market association, school, business owner, and employer to take the advisory seriously. He urged them to make access to clean drinking water, shaded spaces, and proper ventilation a priority, especially for those who work outdoors and those most at risk.
The government added that it would continue to strengthen public awareness and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve preparedness and response to extreme heat. Residents are advised to protect trees, plant more, preserve green spaces, dispose of waste responsibly, and desist from activities that degrade the environment.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government warns residents of possible extreme heat as the dry season approaches and the El Niño climate challenge strengthens.
- Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and take other precautions to protect their health and wellbeing.
- The government is working to improve preparedness and response to extreme heat, and is urging residents to take collective responsibility for building a cooler, healthier, and more climate-resilient Lagos.
