The Lagos State Safety Commission says it is beginning a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that will lead to the shutting down of night clubs permitting the use of drugs and firearms.
The Director-General of the commission, Lanre Mojola, announced this on Sunday during a meeting with night clubs owners/operators in the State. At the meeting were officials of the NDLEA.
The government, according to Mojola, has zero tolerance for the use of drugs and firearms at night clubs, and would not hesitate to activate the relevant laws against violators in any part of Lagos.
He decried the rampant use of hard drugs and firearms in night clubs in the State, vowing that henceforth they will be closed down.
The DG also frowned at the presence of the underage persons at night clubs, warning that it is against the law.
“The purpose of this meeting is to address certain concerns that have come to our attention. We have concerns about the usage of drugs and the use of firearms and other safety issues that have become a major cause for concern”
“Another issue is the use of firearms in clubs. Last year, we had an incident with a superstar, on the use of firearms. We are also aware of a shooting incident that happened at a club recently. All these give us serious concerns. We need to tell ourselves the truth. There should be scanners that people must go through, that can detect firearms. What are your bouncers doing?
“Lots of night clubs frontages have been turned to drug sales outlets; you need to address that. Night clubs need to have lots of signages on designated areas for smoking. The issue of underage (persons) in night clubs should also be addressed.
He warned night club owners to respect the laws, as the government would not hesitate to wield the big stick against those violating the laws of the State regarding their operations.
The DG also called on night club owners to take responsibility and form an association to better tackle the issues of drug and firearms, adding that no security detail should be allowed to carry firearms.
Also speaking, Superintendent of Narcotic, Lagos State command of the NDLEA, Maijama’a Abdullahi, lamented that drugs are being used in most night clubs from his findings after undergoing a secret tour of some clubs in Lagos.
He said that in many night clubs, there are no signages to warn people against doing drugs, decrying that drugs are being used excessively.
“The drug dealers stick around the clubs, they stick outside the clubs and sell drugs. Some of those selling drugs are friends with the bouncers. We need the help of club owners, it is getting out of hand.
Following the meeting, officials of the safety commission and NDLEA will begin joint regular visits to night clubs in the State with a view to shutting down erring ones.