2nd December, 2024
The Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have intensified efforts to enforce the ban on smoking in public spaces through a comprehensive advocacy campaign.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of LSSC, Mr. Lanre Mojola, outlined the health hazards of indoor smoking, including its links to lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
He also underscored the risks of secondhand smoke in communal areas such as lounges and bars. “Our objective is to establish a safe, smoke-free environment for everyone,” Mojola stated.
He referenced the Lagos State Anti-Smoking Law of 2014, which mandates that smoking zones in hotels, lounges, bars, and nightclubs must not exceed 10% of their physical space and prohibits smoking in public places like schools, gyms, restaurants, and cinemas.
As the festive season approaches, Mojola urged business owners to comply with the law, ensuring a healthier nightlife experience. While enforcement measures are planned, the current focus is on creating awareness through education and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, LASEPA’s General Manager, reinforced the call for compliance, advising businesses to install smoke detectors, clearly mark designated smoking areas, and observe laws that prohibit smoking near children or selling cigarettes to minors.
The penalties for violations are steep, with businesses facing fines of up to ₦500,000 and individuals liable for fines ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000.
Repeat offenders risk stricter sanctions. Advocacy efforts include media campaigns and on-site sensitisation visits to establishments such as Sabor Lagos, Ballr Lagos, and Eko Hotels, where “No Smoking” signs were distributed.
Both agencies reiterated their commitment to protecting public health and ensuring Lagos becomes a smoke-free city.
