Ekiti Govt Imposes Ban on Public Smoking, Warns Defaulters

The Ekiti State government has declared a ban on the public consumption of nicotine and tobacco products across the state.

The government made the declaration on Friday during the flag-off ceremony of Smoke-Free project and 2025 World No Tobacco Day organised in collaboration with the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, (CAPPA) in commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2025.

Speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Health, Oyebanji Filani, called on individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to join hands with the state government to nip the menace of tobacco and its negative impact on public health.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, noted that the state is moving decisively to protect Ekiti people through a clear and coordinated public health intervention.

While decrying the devastating and harmful effects of tobacco, the commissioner advocated for stronger control measures to protect public health towards eradicate the scourge in Ekiti communities.

According to him, “We must empower communities with accurate information, strengthen regulations to close loopholes, and support those on the journey to quit tobacco use. Our youth deserve to grow up in environments free from the manipulation of profit-driven industries.

“We must educate the public about the industry’s manipulative strategies, implement and enforce strict regulations on tobacco products, marketing, and sales, provide resources and support for those trying to quit tobacco use by establishing a quitting group, and prioritize public health over industry interests.

“Let us stand together as advocates for health, truth, and a tobacco-free future. On this World No Tobacco Day, let’s pledge to expose the industry’s tactics and protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction. We can create a healthier, tobacco-free world.”

On his part, the Chairman of Ado local government, Bosun Osaloni made an open declaration against the public consumption of tobacco saying that the council will work with the legislative arm to enact laws that will protect the public, especially the youths, from the health hazards of smoking.

The council chairman regretted the harmful effects of tobacco arising from the pungent smell of cigarette smoke in public places, including motor parks, restaurants, and bars in the area.

In the same vein, Executive Director of CAPPA, Oluwafemi Akinbode, said the collaboration with the state government is the urgent need for stronger enforcement and legislative will against the dangers of smoking, particularly at the grassroots level.

His words, “Ekiti State government is making a renouncing pronouncement about declaring Ado-Ekiti a smoke-free city. It essentially means the city will begin to enforce the laws banning smoking in public areas, banning smoking places, and enforcing the ban on smoking in schools and public areas.

“This is a significant step. Having worked nationally and internationally, we are beginning to look at national governments that are closer to the people, because what we are talking about is how people can change and stop smoking.

“The government in Nigeria is doing very well in terms of regulating tobacco control. There is a body of laws that significantly regulate both the production, distribution, and consumption of tobacco products in Nigeria.

“What we are doing is to step down what has happened on the international level, the national level, and the local level. We are beginning to take enforcement to the grassroots where it matters most. The enforcement will be better done at the grassroots level.”