.receives 1,616 complaints in 18 months
.releases guidelines for noise reduction practices

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Government has vowed to embark on aggressive compliance enforcement for noise pollution and other environmental regulation infractions across the state.

In a bid to curb noise pollution, government is set to clamp-down on religious houses; Churches, Mosques, hotels, lounges and bars, event centres, business organisations, among others.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the remarks on Wednesday, at the 10th Noiseless Lagos Advocacy programme, organized by Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, themed; “Curbing Noise Pollution In a Mega City,” held at Alausa, Ikeja.

The initiative is aimed at promoting a culture of sound management in Lagos, a megacity that continues to grapple with the adverse effects of urban noise stemming from traffic, industrial activity, religious worship, and nightlife.

The commissioner, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, said LASEPA has been directed to scale up its enforcement strategy on noise pollution.

According to Wahab, “Today, we are gathered here to address the impact of noise pollution on our health, environment and quality of life as a people.

“The annual Noiseless Lagos advocacy is part of the Lagos State Government’s programmes, aimed at reawakening the consciousness of the residents on the need to curb excessive noises from daily activities because of its impact on human health and the environment.

“Noiseless Lagos Advocacy is geared towards raising public consciousness on the harmful impact of noise on human health and the need to abide by the regulations in our daily activities to protect our health against affordable dangers that may impact negatively on our health for the rest of our life.

“The theme for the 10th year, is very apt and instructive. It is a clarion call on individuals, organizations, worship centers, religious bodies, entertainment industries and the likes in the urban and the inter-land to follow and abide by the standard regulations and approved noise levels across all locations, that is; Schools environment 35 by day/35 at nights, Residential Areas; 55 by day, 45 at night, commercial centers 70 by day/ 60 at night, industrial areas: 85/65 at day and night, while mixed areas: 65 by day and /55 at night.

“In the last 18 months alone, LASEPA had received a total of 1,616 noise pollution related complaints from the activities of our worship centers, industries, entertainment and Nightlife, Bar and Lounges, Clubs and Musical organizations, among others.

“Of these numbers, the agency had successfully enforced about 610 of the complaints, including closure of some of these organisations or application of fines where necessary.”

While expressing satisfaction at the large turnout of stakeholders, Wahab stated, “This is a demonstration of our collective commitment to a noiseless Lagos that is free, cleaner, safer and environmentally friendly and devoid of pollution.

“As the ministry in charge of environmental sustainability, we have empowered LASEPA to scale up its enforcement strategy on noise pollution, the agency will be more strict in its monitoring and enforcement of compliance level with noise pollution regulations in every part of the State and there is no going back.

“This is therefore a warning to our stakeholders, especially, worship centers, industrial organizations, entertainment industries, Lounges, Bar and Night life operators, motor garages and the likes to please adhere strictly with government regulations on the approved decibels in various places as violators of the regulations risk prosecution in accordance with the dictates of the Law

“As we strive for sustainable development and environmental protection, it is very important, that we address growing challenges of noise pollution because of its grave consequences on our health including hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, stress related illnesses, high blood pressure, sleep disruptions, lost productivity, among other noise induced health challenges.

“Today, we are here not only to acknowledge these challenges but also to take proactive steps toward mitigating this issue through awareness, advocacy, and collective action.

“The Noiseless Lagos Awareness Campaign is designed to educate residents about the dangers of noise pollution, encourage responsible behavior, and foster a sense of civic duty in maintaining a quieter, more harmonious Lagos.

“As the head of government MDA in charge of environmental protection, our ministry is fully committed to implementing various government reform initiatives, geared towards protecting our people against any form of environmental abuses that can impact negatively on their health, especially noise pollution.

“Our ministry is therefore committed to strengthening noise regulations and enforcement, strengthening public education and awareness, strengthening collaboration with our stakeholders like; Religious organizations, entertainment industries, communities, lounge and bars, music and records and others to develop effective noise pollution strategies for reduction.

“The take home from this advocacy is that there will be more strict enforcement on noise pollution across the State and henceforth; all establishments must obtain permits for events involving amplified sound and ensure activities take place in soundproofed and enclosed spaces.

“All establishments must comply with the regulated and approved noise level/Decibels during the day and night. For instance, for residential areas; 60 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.

“All stakeholders, including religious organizations, business owners and events planners, must work together to achieve a noiseless and peaceful Lagos. Stakeholders must work together and act alike environmental police by reporting noise disturbances in their neighborhoods to LASEPA for necessary and immediate action.

“On a final note, Let me reiterate that this campaign is a call to action for all sectors—residential, commercial, and industrial—to be mindful of the noise they generate and to adopt noise-reducing practices.

“The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is committed to strengthening enforcement of existing noise regulations.

“We will be engaging with schools, businesses, residential areas, and public institutions to ensure that everyone understands the importance of reducing noise pollution and knows how they can contribute.

“As we move forward, I urge everyone to join hands in this noble endeavour. Let us make Noiseless Lagos, a reality. Together, we can achieve a quieter, healthier and more livable city, while looking forward to a more robust engagement that can fast tract our plans and policy on Noiseless Lagos of our dream.”

Also, speaking, General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, stressed the critical need for collective action to tackle noise pollution in the state, adding that the agency will henceforth seize speakers of the erring worship centers and event centres.

Ajayi stressed that noise is a silent killer and prolonged exposure affects mental health, causes hearing loss, and reduces productivity.

While adding that the agency would intensify enforcement in the coming days, Ajayi, urged stakeholders to ensure voluntary compliance as no violators would be spared.