El Niño: Avoid Prolonged Sunlight Exposure, Lagos Warns Residents

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated and take other precautionary measures as the state prepares for possible extreme heat conditions associated with the strengthening El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon that changes normal weather patterns, potentially making some parts of the world hotter and drier, while making others wetter and more susceptible to flooding.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the advisory in a statement, warning that rising temperatures could increase heat-related health challenges across the state.

Wahab said Lagos, as a densely populated and rapidly urbanising coastal city, was particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures due to its densely built-up neighbourhoods, roads and limited green spaces, which could intensify the urban heat effect.

He warned that the anticipated weather conditions could increase heat discomfort, dehydration, respiratory challenges and poor air quality, particularly among vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women and outdoor workers.

“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.

“The anticipated conditions could increase heat discomfort, dehydration, respiratory challenges and poor air quality, particularly among vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, pregnant women and outdoor workers,” Wahab said.

The commissioner called on residents, community leaders, market associations, schools, business owners and employers to take the advisory seriously by prioritising access to clean drinking water, shaded spaces and proper ventilation.

He also advised residents to wear light clothing, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day and avoid open burning of refuse.

Beyond immediate precautions, Wahab urged residents to address environmental practices that worsen urban heat by protecting existing trees, planting more, preserving green spaces, disposing of waste responsibly and avoiding activities that degrade the environment.

He stressed that protecting Lagos from the impacts of extreme heat required collective responsibility from government, households, businesses and communities.

According to him, the state government would continue to strengthen public awareness and collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to improve preparedness and response to the anticipated conditions.

He urged residents to act early and look out for one another to build a cooler, healthier and more climate-resilient Lagos.

“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,” Wahab added.