Lagos sanctions 580 nightclubs, restaurants for indoor smoking violations

As part of its intensified campaign to promote public health and enforce safety standards across the state, the Lagos State Government has penalised 580 nightclubs and restaurants for breaching indoor smoking regulations in 2024.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, to mark the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

Mojola stated that the commission visited a total of 2,024 public places in 2024, of which 580 establishments were sanctioned for violations of indoor smoking laws.

He explained that while certain venues such as nightclubs may permit smoking, it must be restricted to clearly designated areas.

Mojola warned that indiscriminate smoking in public spaces, such as buses, remains illegal, and urged residents to report such acts promptly. He recalled that the commission launched an anti-indoor smoking campaign in 2024 to sensitise the public about the dangers of second-hand smoke, which he said 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 said.

On the use of consultants by the commission, Mojola explained that they were engaged to support the agency’s operations due to limited staffing. However, he acknowledged that some consultants had been involved in unethical practices, with four already sentenced to prison.

“We have bad eggs among them. 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, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, highlighted key achievements of the Lagos State Safety Commission over the past year.

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

According to him, the commission also finalised the drafting of a safety roadmap for 2023 to 2026, in addition to a comprehensive review of more than 40 safety documents guiding critical socio-economic sectors, including construction, manufacturing, event centres, markets, oil and gas, and waterways.

Oyerinde added that the commission conducted extensive safety audits across thousands of construction sites, financial institutions, and manufacturing plants.

He also highlighted the inspection and certification of lifts and vertical transportation systems in government buildings as part of the agency’s efforts to enhance workplace and public safety. He further referenced a safety session held in September 2023 on sand mining and dredging, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance in the sector.

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

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