… Warns Worship Centres, Entertainment Industries Against Violations
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has organised its 10th Annual Noiseless Lagos Campaign.
LASEPA said the effort is based on an attempt to find sustainable solutions to Noise Pollution, particularly from religious centres and entertainment industries,
Held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja, with the Theme “Curbing Noise Pollution in a Mega City,” the campaign focused on developing sustainable strategies to address the rising issue of noise pollution, particularly from religious centres.
In his address, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasised the urgent need for collective action against noise pollution.
Wahab, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Matters, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu highlighted the impact of unchecked noise on public health and societal well-being.
He said, “We must recognise that noise is not just a nuisance; it is a public health concern. From hearing loss to cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders, the consequences of noise pollution are far-reaching.”
He urged empathy and responsibility in how noise is managed in shared spaces. “Many of the complaints received by LASEPA are cries for help, not from people who oppose religions or celebration, but from those simply seeking peace in their homes and neighbourhoods,” he noted.
The Commissioner called on stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take actionable steps. He advocated for soundproofing, proper scheduling of activities, and strict adherence to noise level regulations, while also proposing the inclusion of enforceable penalties in the State’s environmental framework to deter violations.
In his opening remarks, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, expressed the agency’s commitment to curbing noise pollution while acknowledging the sensitive nature of religious activities.
He emphasised the need for worship to be conducted within legal noise limits, highlighting that the agency organises forums twice a year to engage religious and entertainment stakeholders on the importance of environmental compliance.
Dr. Ajayi explained that various advocacy programmes on noise pollution were designed to educate participants about existing regulations, the importance of community consideration, and the consequences of non-compliance.
The General Manager further outlined LASEPA’s enforcement approach, which begins with education and warnings and could escalate to sealing non-compliant facilities and seizure of sound equipment.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), Very Rev.Bukola Adeleke, commended LASEPA for a decade-long commitment to fighting noise pollution, highlighting the agency’s global-standard initiatives, such as wellness campaigns and free annual health tests, aimed at promoting a healthier living environment.
Rev. Adeleke emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving a quieter Lagos by 2030, urging religious centres to adopt peaceful and considerate practices to preserve the city’s tranquillity.
His counterpart on Islamic Matters, Hon Ahmad Abdulahi Jebe, acknowledged the challenges posed by noise pollution in religious and commercial areas. “Noise pollution is a significant concern, especially in marketplaces and religious settings across Africa”, Jebe said.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi Akodu, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Matters, Ms. Adebowale Tolulope, representatives of various religious groups, captains of industries, nightclub operators, students from the state-owned Tertiary institutions, top government officials from both the Federal and State Public Services, among other dignitaries.
The highlight of the event was free hearing tests offered to the participants with hearing challenges.