The Lagos State Safety Commission and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Southwest Nigeria, have launched a campaign to enforce the ban on smoking in public spaces.
The Director-General of the LSC, Lanre Mojola, on Saturday emphasised the health risks of indoor smoking, including lung cancer and respiratory diseases, and highlighted the dangers of secondhand smoke in shared spaces like lounges and bars.
“Our goal is to create a safe, smoke-free environment for all,” he stated, referencing the Lagos State Anti-Smoking Law of 2014, which mandates designated smoking areas to not be more than 10% of physical space for hotels, lounges, bars and nightclubs.
He added that the law prohibits smoking in public spaces such as schools, gyms, restaurants, and cinemas, etc.
With the festive season approaching, Mojola urged compliance, emphasising collaboration with business owners to ensure a healthy nightlife experience.
He added that while enforcement would follow, the focus is currently on education and awareness through campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the importance of compliance, urging businesses to install smoke detectors, display clear smoking area signs, and adhere to laws prohibiting smoking near children or selling cigarettes to minors.
He noted that penalties for violations include fines up to N500,000 for businesses and N10,000 to N50,000 for individuals, with repeat offenders would face stricter sanctions.
Both agencies further reaffirmed their commitments to safeguarding public health and creating a smoke-free Lagos.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS
