Lagos warns residents of impending extreme heat

By Olasunkanmi Akoni The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat and associated environmental and public health challenges as climate outlooks indicate rising temperatures across parts of Africa, including Nigeria. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the advisory on Friday, urging residents to take preventive measures to protect their health and wellbeing. Wahab said the strengthening El Niño climate pattern, alongside the seasonal transition into the dry season, could contribute to unusual temperature conditions, increased heat discomfort, dry spells, dust and deteriorating air quality. He noted that although the intensity and local impact would depend on prevailing weather patterns, residents should take the emerging climate risks seriously.

According to him, Lagos, as a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, could face heightened exposure to extreme heat. “The concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure, coupled with limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighbourhoods, could intensify temperatures in built-up areas,” he said. Wahab warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, with potentially serious consequences. 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 protective measures were put in place. He also cautioned that extreme heat could worsen air-quality challenges during the…