The Lagos State government is taking decisive action to address growing safety concerns within nightclubs in the state.
In recent times, the prevalence of drug and firearm usage within these establishments has raised alarm, prompting the government’s Safety Commission to intervene. The government has issued a stern warning to nightclub owners and is prepared to take strong measures against any club found engaging in such activities.
Lanre Mojola, the Director-General of the Safety Commission, emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards drug and firearm use in nightclubs. To effectively combat this critical issue, the Commission is collaborating closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Exclusive Stories, News Reports, and Engaging Content. {Click Here}
During a meeting with nightclub owners, Mojola expressed concern over the presence of underage individuals in many nightclubs, a clear violation of the law. He urged the owners to take immediate action to address this issue and implement measures to prevent underage access.
Another pressing concern raised during the meeting was the improper use of nightclub frontages as drug outlets. Mojola stressed the need for designated smoking areas with proper signage to minimize drug-related activities. He also encouraged nightclub owners to form an association to collectively address issues related to drug and firearm usage.
In light of recent incidents, Mojola strictly warned against allowing security personnel to carry firearms within nightclub premises. This measure aims to prevent potential escalation of violence and ensure a safer environment for patrons.
To ensure compliance with these new regulations, the Safety Commission, in coordination with security agencies, will conduct regular inspections of nightclubs throughout the state. Any non-compliant establishments will face closure as a consequence.
During the meeting, Superintendent of Narcotics, Maijama’a Abdullahi, from the Lagos State Command of NDLEA, shared findings from a secret tour of some clubs, revealing the extensive use of drugs in many nightclubs. Abdullahi requested the full cooperation of club owners in addressing the drug-related issues, as drug dealers often operate in close proximity to the clubs and may even have associations with bouncers.
