Lagos State Sanctions 580 Nightclubs and Restaurants for Indoor Smoking Violations
Government Takes Strong Action to Enforce Public Health Regulations
The Lagos State government has imposed penalties on 580 nightclubs and restaurants in 2024 for violating indoor smoking regulations. This crackdown is part of the state’s intensified efforts to promote public health and enforce safety standards.
Safety Commission Reveals Enforcement Statistics
Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, disclosed these figures during a ministerial press briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second-term anniversary. The Commission inspected 2,024 public establishments last year, with nearly 30% facing sanctions for indoor smoking infractions.
“While some venues like nightclubs may allow smoking,” Mojola explained, “it must be strictly confined to designated areas. Indiscriminate smoking in public spaces remains illegal.”
Public Health Campaign Intensifies
The Commission launched an anti-indoor smoking campaign in 2024 to educate residents about the dangers of second-hand smoke, which can cause cancer and other serious health conditions. Mojola urged citizens to report violations through their “See it. Say it. Sort it” initiative.
Safety Achievements and Future Plans
Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, highlighted the Commission’s accomplishments:
- Completion of the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2021-2026)
- Development of a safety roadmap for 2023-2026
- Review of over 40 safety documents across key sectors
- Extensive safety audits of construction sites and industrial facilities
- Certification of lifts in government buildings
The Commission also organized a specialized safety session on sand mining and dredging in September 2023 to improve environmental sustainability practices.
“Safety isn’t just policy—it’s a culture we’re building to protect lives and our environment,” Oyerinde emphasized.
For more details, read the original article: The Citizen