The Lagos State Government wants residents to prepare for possible extreme heat conditions, rising temperatures and deteriorating air quality as climate concerns linked to the El Niño pattern raise the risk of unusual weather conditions across parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in an advisory urged residents to adopt preventive measures to protect their health and minimise exposure to heat-related illnesses.
Wahab explained that the strengthening El Niño climate pattern, alongside the seasonal transition into the dry season, could contribute to unusually high temperatures, prolonged dry spells, increased dust levels and worsening air quality.
The commissioner noted that Lagos, could be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat because of its concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure.
Wahab warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which could have serious health consequences if not promptly addressed.
He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.
The commissioner urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure that appropriate protective measures were put in place.
