Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have joined forces to launch an advocacy campaign aimed at enforcing the ban on smoking in public spaces, particularly during the festive season.
Director-General of LSC, Mr. Lanre Mojola, emphasized the health risks associated with indoor smoking, including lung cancer and respiratory diseases, as well as the dangers of secondhand smoke in shared spaces like lounges and bars.
Mojola urged compliance with the Lagos State Anti-Smoking Law of 2014, which mandates designated smoking areas not more than 10% of the physical space for hotels, lounges, bars, and nightclubs, and prohibits smoking in public spaces such as schools, gyms, restaurants, and cinemas.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with business owners to ensure a healthy nightlife experience, while also highlighting that the law will be enforced, with a focus 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.
Penalties for violations include fines up to N500,000 for businesses and N10,000 to N50,000 for individuals, with repeat offenders facing stricter sanctions.
