The Lagos State government penalized 580 nightclubs and restaurants in 2024 for breaching indoor smoking regulations, as part of an aggressive drive to promote public health and enforce safety standards

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State government has announced that it penalised 580 nightclubs and restaurants in 2024 for breaching indoor smoking regulations, as part of an aggressive drive to promote public health and enforce safety standards across the state.

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Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

Mojola stated that the commission, which he identified as the only ‘Safety Commission in Nigeria’, inspected a total of 2,024 public places last year, with 580 establishments sanctioned for indoor smoking infractions.

Mojola clarified that while some facilities, such as nightclubs, might permit smoking, it must be strictly confined to designated areas.

He issued a stern warning that indiscriminate smoking in public spaces, including buses, remains illegal, and urged residents to report such acts promptly.

“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.

If you see people smoking in buses or enclosed spaces, report them immediately. This is a serious public health matter,” he emphasised.

The Director-General noted that the Commission launched an anti-indoor smoking campaign in 2024 to sensitise the public on the risks of second-hand smoke, which he warned could lead to cancer and other serious health conditions.

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. If you see people smoking in buses or enclosed spaces, report them immediately. This is a serious public health matter.

“We need the media to help push the message that indoor smoking is not allowed. Our campaign is simple—‘See it. Say it. Sort it’,” Mojola urged.

Addressing questions regarding the Commission’s use of consultants, Mojola explained that they were engaged to support the agency’s work due to limited staffing.

However, he acknowledged that some consultants had engaged in “unwholesome practices,” revealing that “Four of them have already been sentenced to prison for illegal activities.

But as Lagos grows, we must find ways to manage capacity gaps,” he said.

Also speaking at the briefing, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, outlined the key achievements of the Lagos State Safety Commission over the past year.

He announced the successful completion of the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2021–2026), developed in collaboration with various government agencies, professional bodies, and private stakeholders.

Oyerinde added that the Commission finalised the drafting of a safety roadmap for 2023 to 2026, alongside a comprehensive review of over 40 safety documents guiding critical socio-economic sectors, including construction, manufacturing, event centres, markets, oil and gas, and waterways.

He stated that the Commission carried out extensive safety audits across thousands of construction sites, financial institutions, and manufacturing plants.

He highlighted the inspection and certification of lifts and vertical transportation systems in government buildings as part of the agency’s commitment to workplace and public safety.

Oyerinde also drew attention to a September 2023 safety session organised on sand mining and dredging, aimed at improving environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance within the sector.

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“Safety is not just a policy; it’s a culture. By prioritising safe and sustainable practices, we safeguard both lives and the environment,” Oyerinde concluded.