By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take precautionary measures against rising temperatures, warning that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion and other serious health complications.
The warning comes amid changing weather conditions associated with the strengthening El Niño pattern and the transition into the dry season, which could bring unusually high temperatures, dry spells, dust and declining air quality.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the advisory in a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, on Friday.
Wahab explained that Lagos’ high population density, rapid urbanisation and concentration of heat-absorbing infrastructure could worsen the effects of extreme temperatures, particularly in densely populated communities with limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation.
He identified children, elderly persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.
The commissioner advised residents to drink sufficient water, wear lightweight clothing, remain in shaded and well-ventilated environments and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during periods of intense heat.
He also urged families, schools, employers and community leaders to pay special attention to vulnerable individuals and ensure they have access to adequate protection.
Wahab warned that the hot weather could further worsen air pollution, particularly as dry-season dust and haze increase. He noted that increased dependence on petrol and diesel generators during power outages could compound the problem.
He therefore advised residents against open burning of refuse and encouraged proper waste disposal and other environmentally friendly practices.
Residents were also urged to watch out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment and given appropriate assistance, while severe cases should receive immediate medical attention.
The commissioner further warned that sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency, while people with respiratory conditions were advised to minimise exposure to dusty environments.
Beyond the health concerns, the rising temperatures have begun affecting businesses and household spending across Lagos, particularly through increased demand for bottled water, sachet water, soft drinks and other chilled beverages.
Some traders have reported higher sales as residents increase their consumption of cold drinks to cope with the heat.
At Nationwide, Ogba, restaurant owner John Amah said customers had increasingly requested additional drinking water with their meals, prompting him to increase his stock of chilled water.
Similarly, beverage trader Ngozi Kelvin at Ebutero Market reported increased demand for sachet water and soft drinks, although she noted that unreliable electricity supply and the cost of purchasing ice blocks had increased her operating expenses.
Another trader, Chioma Ngozi, said rising fuel prices and generator maintenance costs had reduced the additional profits generated from increased sales.
At Costain, beverage seller Clement Okpara said he sold 35 packs of bottled water received on Monday before Friday, while drink hawker Oluwafunke Ajiyo disclosed that her daily bottled water sales had increased from one pack to between three and eight packs.
The increased demand has also translated into higher expenses for consumers. Some residents reported rising prices of sachet and bottled water, alongside increased daily consumption.
A Costain resident, Eminsule Goodness, said the heat had increased her consumption of sachet water and cold drinks, while the price of five bags of sachet water had risen from N1,000 to N1,500.
Civil engineer Francis Anyanwu, who works in Ijora, Apapa, said he and his colleagues had reduced their consumption of morning coffee in favour of cold water and soft drinks. He also reported an increase in the price of bottled water.
However, some residents are adopting environmentally responsible measures to manage the additional plastic waste generated by increased beverage consumption.
Lagos State University student Divine-Favour Johnson said she preferred carrying reusable water bottles from home, while her household separated plastic, paper and organic waste for recycling.
Another resident, Chiamaka Aguse, said increased sachet water consumption had resulted in her household generating more waste, requiring more frequent disposal.
Wahab called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, environmental experts, businesses and community organisations to improve preparedness for extreme weather conditions.
He also encouraged residents and businesses to protect existing trees, support tree planting, preserve green spaces and ensure proper waste management.
The commissioner assured residents that the ministry would continue public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to address emerging environmental challenges.
