Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency LASEPA and the Lagos State Safety Commission launched a sensitization campaign on Friday, 29th of November, to tackle the menace of indoor smoking in public places, especially in lounges, clubs, and bars, as part of efforts to enforce the Lagos State Anti-Smoking Law of 2014.

This initiative aims to protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke and promote a healthy nightlife experience in Lagos. The campaign also focus on educating business owners and the public about the risks associated with indoor smoking and the importance of designating smoke-free areas.

As part of the campaign, the team visited several popular establishments on the Island, including Sabor Lagos, Ballr Lagos, Vaniti Lagos, The Blowfish, Eko Hotels, and Wbar Lounge. During the visits, free “No Smoking” signs were distributed to be prominently displayed in enclosed areas, serving as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a smoke-free environment.

The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing the Lagos State Non-Smoking Law of 2014. Ajayi emphasized that facilities must display clear signs indicating designated smoking areas, while also warning of the dangers of secondhand smoke.

According to Ajayi, offenders will face fines of up to ₦500,000 or temporary shutdown of their businesses. He stressed that individuals caught smoking in public places will be taken to the environmental court and fined for exposing others to secondhand smoke.

The LASEPA GM highlighted the importance of safeguarding the health of Lagosians, particularly during the upcoming Yuletide period. He noted that the agency, in collaboration with the Lagos Safety Commission, has been conducting advocacy and awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of smoking in public places.

Ajayi’s message was clear: “Display no smoking signs in closed areas, designate smoking areas in your building, and keep them away from gathering spots. Don’t smoke around children, and don’t sell cigarettes to minors. Electronic cigarettes are also harmful and cannot be smoked in public.”

With the agency set to embark on enforcement exercises across the state, Ajayi warned that those found violating the law will be prosecuted. The campaign will cover clubs, restaurants, offices, and supermarkets, to ensure compliance with the non-smoking law.

According to Lanre Mojola, Director-General and CEO of the Lagos State Safety Commission, the campaign aims to create a smoke-free environment for all Lagosians, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which emphasizes good health and well-being.

Mojola highlighted the dangers of smoking, citing lung cancer and respiratory diseases as major health risks. He also noted that the Lagos State Anti-Smoking Law of 2014 prohibits smoking in public places, including schools, gyms, and supermarkets, and requires designated smoking areas in lounges, clubs, and hotels.

The commission, in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), will engage with facility owners, bar owners, and hotel owners to educate them on the importance of designating non-smoking areas. The campaign will also include radio jingles, TV appearances, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of indoor smoking.

Mojola emphasized that the focus is currently on sensitization and advocacy, rather than enforcement. However, he noted that enforcement will follow in the coming months, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to ₦500,000 for businesses and ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 for individuals.