Implementation Of Anti-Smoking Law Is Key

The recent signing into law a bill that prohibits smoking in public places by Governor Fashola of Lagos State has clearly shown the desire of the government in remodeling the state. This is a move many citizens have applauded and considered ideal. As much as the audacious move portrays the sincerity of purpose on the part of the government, much is however, desired in the area of implementation to ensure that the passage of the bill does not amount to a fruitless exercise.

While presenting the bill to the Attorney General of the state, Fashola acknowledged that government is aware of the dangers posed by public smoking to non-smokers. He further explained that the bill was signed into law to address serious public health issues.

As stated in the law, smoking is henceforth forbidden in public places like museums, public toilets, libraries, nurseries, day care centres and any facility used for the care of infants. This also affects private vehicles where there are more persons, school buses, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, factories, amusement parks, places used by members of the public for conferences or workshop. The law also mandates owners of public places like restaurants and others in this category to provide smoking areas which must be ventilated and must not be more than one tenth of the size of the whole premises.

They are, in addition, expected to fix smoke detectors while those who intend to smoke outside the building should leave a buffer of about 10m. Owners  must also ensure smokers do not infringe on the right of non-smokers. Going by the new law, any minor who smokes faces the risk of three  months jail term or a N15,000 fine. It further empowers law enforcement officers to enter and inspect all the aforementioned premises and defaulters, when prosecuted, are to pay N10,000 fine if found guilty or face three months imprisonment while repeat offenders attract N50,000 or six months imprisonment.

As fantastic as the law seems, its implementation is very crucial to its success. Though Fashola had explained that his strong commitment to public health and safety won’t allow him relent, Nigerians are quite aware of several laws that have become impossible to implement. For instance, the Lagos Tenancy Law prohibits landlords from collecting two years rent from new tenants. But it is public knowledge that most landlords still demand and collect two years’ rent. Why is it difficult to make them comply or prosecute defaulters to serve as deterrent to others?

There is still a need for a proper public awareness and media campaign for parties involved- smokers, non-smokers, public building owners and users, employees and other relevant parties/agencies to be acquainted with the provisions of the law and the  consequences of violating it.

Government may also need to explore the possibility of enacting stiffer penalties against other environmental and air pollution hazards associated with industrial wastes and offensive emissions/smoke from dilapidated vehicles. The appropriate transport/vehicle authorities need to see the issue of poisonous fumes as paramount because road worthiness of such vehicles remains questionable.