The Enugu State Government has given places of worship, clubs, bars and other users of open public address/sound system 90 days to dismantle their loudspeakers and adopt environmentally-friendly soundproof systems or face the full weight of the law.

The Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, Uche Anya, told a meeting of stakeholders that the “zero noise” policy is aimed at addressing the thousands of complaints about noise pollution from members of the public.

“The biggest challenge we face in Enugu today is noise pollution. Too many residents struggle to enjoy a good night’s sleep, disrupted by the raucous activities of night clubs and religious organisations,” he said.

Urbanisation naturally breeds noise pollution. Night life is also seen as an index of socio-economic and security stability of destinations for tourism and investment. It is the job of governments at sub-national levels (states, local governments) to control noise pollution. Unfortunately, when they bother to initiate moves in that direction, there is hardly enough resolve to implement them to the letter.

The Lagos State Government, for instance, has its Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, which also has a Noise and Emissions Control Unit. In spite of the regulations which the government backs up with advocacy, noise pollution, especially from worship centres, hotels and clubs, have remained at the same notorious and unacceptable levels.

The main problem with noise pollution control in Nigeria is weak implementation. Government officials are typically corrupt and see their law or regulation enforcement duties as avenues to fill their pockets. Also, in most cases, government officials at the highest levels lack the courage to implement the law. They allow themselves to be intimidated by influential religious leaders. This is unacceptable.

As the Enugu State official rightly observed, people are suffering at the hands of these lawbreakers. They deserve to be protected by the law.

Night clubs or open entertainment centres should not be permitted in core residential areas. There must be proper regulation to ensure that only those who patronise them are exposed to their activities. Even if worship centres are located in residential areas, their public address and amplification systems must be dismantled altogether, with strict soundproofing of venues.

Instead of the use of loudspeakers, calls to prayer should be transmitted through digital channels such as cellphones and computers. Every member of a religious faith ought to know when it is time to visit the worship centre for prayers and other activities. The same applies to overnight religious activities and street parties. People who have nothing to do with them should not be forced to endure their excesses.

The ball is squarely in the court of governments to ensure that regulations over noise pollution are firmly implemented. After prolonged barking, our government officials should also bite!