The Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have stepped up efforts to enforce the ban on smoking in public spaces, launching a robust advocacy campaign ahead of the festive season.
Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the LSSC, highlighted the severe health risks associated with smoking in enclosed spaces, including lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
He also stressed the dangers of secondhand smoke in communal areas like lounges and bars. “Our mission is to ensure a smoke-free and safe environment for all,” Mojola said, referencing the Lagos State Anti-Smoking Law of 2014. The law restricts smoking zones in hospitality venues to no more than 10% of their total area and prohibits smoking in spaces such as schools, gyms, cinemas, and restaurants.
With the holiday season approaching, Mojola urged business owners to comply with the regulations to guarantee a healthier nightlife experience. He added that while enforcement will eventually follow, the immediate focus remains on public education and collaboration with stakeholders.
Echoing this stance, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, called for strict adherence to the law. He urged businesses to install smoke detectors, clearly display designated smoking areas, and avoid selling cigarettes to minors or permitting smoking near children.
The penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to ₦500,000 for businesses and between ₦10,000 and ₦50,000 for individuals, with repeat offenders facing harsher sanctions. Advocacy efforts have included sensitisation visits to establishments like Sabor Lagos, Ballr Lagos, and Eko Hotels, where “No Smoking” signs were distributed.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public health, vowing to create a smoke-free Lagos through sustained awareness and enforcement initiatives.
