By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a bold move to safeguard public health, the Lagos State Government has sanctioned 580 nightclubs, restaurants, and public venues for violating indoor smoking laws in 2024.
The announcement came during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, where officials detailed the outcomes of a sweeping safety inspection campaign.
Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, revealed that over 2,000 establishments were inspected last year, with more than a quarter found in breach of smoking regulations. He reiterated that smoking in public and enclosed spaces remains strictly prohibited outside of designated areas, stressing the importance of community reporting under the state’s “See it. Say it. Sort it.” initiative.
The crackdown forms part of a broader anti-smoking campaign aimed at curbing exposure to second-hand smoke, which has been linked to serious health risks including cancer. Authorities emphasized that enforcement efforts would intensify through 2025.
The briefing also addressed internal misconduct, with Mojola disclosing that four consultants hired to support staffing were prosecuted for illegal practices, underscoring the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, outlined broader achievements, including the rollout of a new safety roadmap and the completion of a multi-year Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan. Thousands of safety audits were conducted across high-risk sectors, from construction to oil and gas.
“Safety must become a way of life, not just policy,” Oyerinde stated, calling for deeper integration of safety standards into development planning.
With Lagos continuing to grapple with the pressures of urban growth, state officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report safety violations to help build a healthier, smoke-free environment.
