The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take precautionary measures against possible extreme heat as the dry season approaches and the El Niño climate pattern strengthens.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the advisory in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, warning that rising temperatures could pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable residents.
Wahab said the anticipated heat conditions could worsen dehydration, heat discomfort, respiratory problems and poor air quality, with children, older persons, pregnant women and outdoor workers likely to be among the most affected.
“As Lagos prepares for possible extreme heat conditions associated with the strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season, I urge all residents to take necessary precautions to protect their health and wellbeing,” he said.
The commissioner attributed Lagos’ vulnerability to its high population density, rapid urbanisation, limited green spaces and densely built-up environment, which can intensify the urban heat island effect.
“As a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Our densely built-up neighbourhoods, roads and limited green spaces can intensify the urban heat effect, making conditions more challenging for many residents,” he stated.
He advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
Wahab also urged residents, community leaders, market associations, schools, business owners and employers to prioritise access to clean drinking water, shaded spaces and proper ventilation, particularly for people working outdoors and other vulnerable groups.
Residents were further cautioned against open burning of refuse, which can worsen air pollution and compound the health challenges associated with extreme heat.
Beyond immediate safety measures, the commissioner called for greater environmental responsibility, urging residents to protect existing trees, plant more vegetation, preserve green spaces and dispose of waste responsibly.
“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.
He assured residents that the state government would continue to strengthen public awareness and work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve preparedness and response to extreme heat.
Wahab stressed that households, communities and businesses also had a responsibility to protect public health and strengthen Lagos’ resilience to climate-related challenges.
“Keeping Lagos safe from the impacts of extreme heat requires action from all of us. Government will continue to strengthen public awareness and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve preparedness and response. But every household, street, community and business has a role to play,” he added.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterised by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
The phenomenon can disrupt atmospheric circulation and influence rainfall and temperature patterns across different parts of the world.
It is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions.
However, El Niño does not produce identical effects everywhere, as regional weather conditions and other ocean-atmosphere processes influence its impact.
