The Lagos State government has imposed penalties on 580 nightclubs and restaurants for breaching indoor smoking regulations in 2024. This action is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve public health and enforce safety standards across Lagos.
Lanre Mojola, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, announced this during a press briefing held on Wednesday to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term. According to Mojola, the commission inspected a total of 2,024 public spaces in 2024, and 580 establishments were penalized for allowing indoor smoking in areas where it is prohibited.
The Director-General emphasized that while nightclubs and certain venues may permit smoking, it must be restricted to designated areas. He made it clear that indiscriminate smoking in public spaces, such as buses and enclosed areas, remains illegal. Mojola urged residents to report any incidents of public smoking to help maintain a safe and healthy environment.
“Public smoking is not allowed, and there’s a bill already in place to prohibit it. People are permitted to smoke only in designated areas within certain venues,” he said. “If you see people smoking in buses or enclosed spaces, report them immediately. This is a serious public health matter.”
In addition to enforcement actions, the Lagos State Safety Commission launched an anti-indoor smoking campaign in 2024. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of second-hand smoke, which can cause serious health issues, including cancer. The campaign’s slogan, “See it. Say it. Sort it,” encourages the public to take an active role in reporting indoor smoking violations.
Mojola also addressed concerns about the use of consultants by the Commission, explaining that they were hired to assist with the agency’s work due to staffing challenges. However, he acknowledged that some consultants had engaged in unethical practices, with four individuals already sentenced to prison for illegal activities.
“We have bad eggs among them,” he admitted. “But as Lagos grows, we must find ways to manage capacity gaps.”
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, also highlighted key achievements by the Lagos State Safety Commission in the past year. He mentioned the successful completion of the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2021–2026) and the finalization of the safety roadmap for 2023 to 2026. The Commission also carried out safety audits across thousands of construction sites, manufacturing plants, and financial institutions.
Oyerinde also emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability in safety practices, pointing to a September 2023 session on sand mining and dredging, which was aimed at improving regulatory compliance within the sector.
“Safety is not just a policy; it’s a culture,” Oyerinde said. “By prioritizing safe and sustainable practices, we safeguard both lives and the environment.”
As Lagos continues to grow, both the government and residents are urged to play their part in ensuring a safer and healthier state.