The Lagos State Government has sanctioned 580 nightclubs and restaurants for violating indoor smoking regulations in 2024, marking a major stride in its ongoing efforts to enhance public health and safety across the state.

This disclosure was made by the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Mojola revealed that out of 2,024 public places inspected last year, 580 establishments were found to have breached indoor smoking rules.

He clarified that while certain venues, such as nightclubs, may permit smoking, it must be confined strictly to designated smoking areas.

“Public smoking is prohibited, and a bill is already in place to enforce this,” he stated. “Smoking is only allowed in designated areas within specific venues. If you witness individuals smoking in buses or other enclosed spaces, report them at once. This is a critical public health concern.”

He issued a strong warning against indiscriminate smoking in public spaces, including public transportation, urging residents to promptly report infractions. He also highlighted the Commission’s 2024 anti-indoor smoking campaign, which focused on educating the public about the dangers of second-hand smoke, including cancer and other serious health risks.

“We need the media’s support to amplify the message that indoor smoking is not permitted,” Mojola said, adding that the campaign’s slogan, ‘See it. Say it. Sort it’, encapsulates the state’s zero-tolerance approach to the issue.

Addressing questions on the use of consultants, Mojola explained that their engagement was essential to addressing staffing shortages. He, however, admitted to encountering “bad eggs,” noting that four consultants have been convicted and jailed for illegal activities.

“Lagos is growing rapidly, and we must adopt innovative strategies to manage our capacity challenges,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, outlined the Safety Commission’s key achievements over the past year. These include the successful completion of the Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (2021–2026), developed in partnership with government agencies, professional bodies, and private stakeholders.

Oyerinde also announced the finalisation of a safety roadmap covering 2023 to 2026, as well as the comprehensive review of more than 40 safety documents regulating critical socio-economic sectors such as construction, manufacturing, events, markets, oil and gas, and waterways.

The Commissioner noted that the Commission carried out extensive safety audits across thousands of sites, including construction zones, financial institutions, and manufacturing facilities. It also inspected and certified lifts and vertical transport systems in government buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards.

In addition, Oyerinde highlighted a safety session held in September 2023 focusing on sand mining and dredging activities, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

“Safety is not merely a policy; it is a culture,” Oyerinde affirmed. “By prioritising safe and sustainable practices, we safeguard both lives and the environment.”