The Lagos State Government has sanctioned 580 nightclubs and restaurants in 2024 for violating indoor smoking regulations, marking a significant step in its aggressive campaign to bolster public health and safety standards across the state.
The revelation came from Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Mojola stated that out of 2,024 public places inspected by the Commission last year, 580 establishments were found in breach of indoor smoking rules, adding that while certain venues like nightclubs may permit smoking, it must be strictly confined to designated areas. He issued a stern warning against indiscriminate smoking in public spaces, such as buses, urging residents to report such infractions immediately.
“Public smoking is prohibited, and a bill is already in place to enforce this,” Mojola emphasised. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas within specific venues. If you witness individuals smoking in buses or other enclosed spaces, report them at once. This is a critical public health concern.”
He highlighted the Commission’s 2024 anti-indoor smoking campaign, launched to educate the public on the severe risks associated with second-hand smoke, including cancer and other serious health conditions. “We need the media’s support to amplify the message that indoor smoking is not permitted. Our campaign slogan is simple: ‘See it. Say it. Sort it.”
Addressing concerns about the Commission’s use of consultants, Mojola explained that their engagement was a necessary measure to bridge staffing gaps. However, he acknowledged instances of misconduct, noting, “We have encountered bad eggs among them. Four consultants have already been sentenced to prison for illegal activities. As Lagos continues to grow, we must find innovative ways to manage capacity challenges.”
Earlier, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, detailed the Lagos State Safety Commission’s key achievements over the past year. He announced the successful completion of the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2021–2026), a collaborative effort involving government agencies, professional bodies, and private stakeholders.
Oyerinde also confirmed the finalisation of a comprehensive safety roadmap for 2023 to 2026, alongside a thorough review of over 40 safety documents governing critical socio-economic sectors. These include construction, manufacturing, event centres, markets, oil and gas, and waterways.
The Commissioner further stated that the Commission conducted extensive safety audits across thousands of construction sites, financial institutions, and manufacturing plants.
He underscored the agency’s commitment to workplace and public safety by highlighting the inspection and certification of lifts and vertical transportation systems in government buildings.
Additionally, Oyerinde drew attention to a safety session organised in September 2023 focusing on sand mining and dredging, aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance within the sector.
“Safety is not merely a policy; it is a culture,” Oyerinde asserted. “By prioritising safe and sustainable practices, we safeguard both lives and the environment.”
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