Lagos Tightens the Screws on Noise Polluters
In a bid to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has shut down over 352 facilities, including places of worship and businesses, across the state in the past year.
LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, expressed concerns during a press briefing in his office in Ikeja, highlighting the need for residents to adhere to regulations and comply with noise control measures. He noted that while enforcement efforts can lead to temporary compliance, individuals often revert to their previous habits once the pressure is off.
Pursuing a multi-faceted approach, Ajayi stressed the importance of consequences for violating environmental regulations, which are a universal issue, not exclusive to Nigeria. “Fines and penalties are a necessary step to ensure accountability,” he stated.
Noise pollution is a significant concern, with the General Manager citing the regular use of microphones at bus stops and religious centers, including churches and mosques, as a primary issue. The lack of effective regulation in setting up these establishments is a major contributor to the problem, he added.
Ajayi has engaged with representatives of religious houses to emphasize the dangers of noise pollution and the importance of maintaining a reasonable noise level of less than 60 decibels during services. The agency continues to work towards finding a balance between the rights of religious groups and the need to protect public health and safety.
