How to Survive Lagos Heatwave: Personal Hacks

Kenny Akintola 

Lagos is hot—like, “Why did I just step out and already feel like a grilled suya?” hot. Between the blazing sun, humidity that clings like a needy ex, and traffic that turns Danfos into mobile ovens, staying cool isn’t just a luxury—it’s survival. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with ways to beat the heat .

Personal Survival Tips in Lagos Heat

1. Water is Your Bestie

•Carry a bottle like your life depends on it (because it kinda does).

•Skip sugary drinks—go for coconut water, zobo, or good ol’ H₂O with lemon.

•Those girls carrying Stanley cups everywhere? It’s not for aesthetics. It’s survival! Any flask that can keep your water cold for hours in this heat is worth having.whether it’s branded or not.

2. Dress Like You’re in a Desert (Because You Basically Are)

•Light-colored, breathable fabrics (cotton and linen  heavy jeans).

•Hats and sunglasses aren’t just fashion statements; they’ll protect you from heatstroke.

•If your outfit sticks to you like Lagos traffic, you’ve failed.

3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours (Or Suffer)

•Between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., the sun is on demon time. Stay indoors if you can.

•If you must move, walk under shade like a vampire avoiding daylight.

4. Cold Showers & Ice Tricks

•A quick cold shower = instant reset button.

•Wrap ice in a cloth and press it to your neck/wrists—instant emergency AC.

5. Eat Like It’s Summer (Oh Wait, It Always Is)

•Watermelon, cucumber, and pineapple = nature’s chill pills.

•Avoid heavy, oily foods—your body doesn’t need extra heat from digestion.

What the Government Should Do

Lagos heat isn’t just uncomfortable,it’s a public health risk. Here’s how the government can help:

More Public Water Stations – People shouldn’t have to choose between pure water and pure suffering.

Shade Structures & Green Spaces – More trees, fewer shopping malls. Let’s make Lagos less of a concrete jungle.

Heatwave Alerts – SMS warnings when temperatures hit dangerous levels (like they do for rain).

Affordable Cooling Centers – Public places where people can escape extreme heat, especially in markets and bus stops.

Better Urban Planning – Less traffic congestion = less heat radiating from roads and cars.

Reduce power tariffs so can afford to put on the cooling system 

Final Lagos-Style Advice

At the end of the day, no matter how hot it gets, man must wack. Just don’t let the heat confuse you into eating a full bowl of pounded yam under the afternoon sun—unless you want to nap through the rest of your day.

And please, when you see someone carrying a big flask, don’t assume they are showing off. In this heat, a good water bottle is not a luxury—it’s survival gear!

May your generator work when you need it, may your AC not trip off, and may this heat not humble you.

Stay hydrated, stay safe till next time .

Kenny Akintola 

Chief facility officer 

Express Business Support (EBS)