The Lagos State Safety Commission has issued a stern warning to night club operators in the city, expressing concern over the increasing use of drugs and firearms in such establishments. The Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, emphasized the state government’s zero tolerance for these illicit activities in night clubs and vowed to take decisive action against any club caught with such issues.
During a meeting with night club owners, officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were also present to address the issue. Mr. Mojola expressed deep concern about the rampant usage of hard drugs and firearms in numerous night clubs across Lagos and pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to halt this dangerous trend.
Another alarming concern raised during the meeting was the presence of underage individuals in many night clubs, which is against the law. Mr. Mojola emphasized that the government will not tolerate this violation and called on club owners to strictly adhere to regulations regarding the admission of minors.
Addressing the issue of firearms in clubs, Mr. Mojola stressed the need for improved security measures, including the use of scanners to detect firearms and other weapons. He questioned the effectiveness of security operatives in ensuring the safety of club-goers.
Moreover, Mr. Mojola pointed out that some club frontages had turned into drug sales outlets, and he urged night club owners to display proper signages conveying a clear message of “no drugs, no firearms, and no underage” to club patrons.
The Director-General warned night club owners to respect the laws of the state, asserting that the government would not hesitate to take strict measures against those who flagrantly violate the law in operating night clubs.
The meeting also featured Superintendent of Narcotics Maijama’a Abdullahi from the Lagos State Command, who shared findings from a secret tour of some clubs in Lagos. Abdullahi reported that drug usage was prevalent in most night clubs, and there were insufficient signages warning against drug usage. He highlighted that drug dealers were operating in proximity to the clubs, and some were even acquainted with bouncers, making the situation increasingly challenging.
