Smoking in public places continues in Lagos despite law

Months after the Lagos State criminalized smoking in public places, it does not seem there is any serious enforcement to deter the practice as smokers are still seen doing so in public places.

The law meant to promote public health and protect non smokers from inhaling the smoke which is dangerous to health and believed to cause cancer of lung and other ailments, was early this year signed by Governor Babatunde Fashola.

The law prescribes a six-month imprisonment or N50,000 fine for an offender depending on the discretion of a judge. It applies in places like museums, public toilets, libraries, nurseries, day care centres and any facilities used for the care of infants. Others are public telephone kiosks, public transportation vehicles, private vehicles where there are more than one persons, school buses, factories, restaurants and cinemas, theatres, amusement parks or any other place use by the member of public as conference centres and exhibitions halls.

Findings show that despite the law, smokers are still having a field day, as no enforcement is being carried out. The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the security agencies including the police are charged with the responsibility of enforcement.

Governor Fashola while signing the law said the present realities in Lagos which is fast emerging Africa’s model megacity have made the legislation compelling. “I should have no difficulty at all assenting to these bills. This law only serves to strengthen our hands towards a more efficient discharge of our responsibilities to protect human lives and properties,” Fashola had said.

JOSHUA BASSEY