Lagos State Government Issues Strong Warning to Worship and Entertainment Centres Over Noise Pollution
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to worship centres and entertainment venues across the state, cautioning that any facility found to be using loudspeakers indiscriminately during worship or entertainment activities will face prosecution in accordance with existing environmental laws.
This declaration was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during the 10th Annual Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Summit, held under the theme “Curbing Noise Pollution in a Mega City.”
The Commissioner, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Water Resources, Engineer Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, explained that the summit was convened to address the growing impact of noise pollution on public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall quality of life in Lagos.
Wahab noted that the Noiseless Lagos campaign is a key initiative of the state government designed to sensitize residents about the dangers of unchecked noise pollution, and to promote a more serene and livable environment.
He emphasized that it is imperative for all stakeholders—including religious organizations, entertainment operators, and businesses—operating in both urban and suburban areas to comply with government-approved noise levels.
The noise level standards prescribed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) are as follows:
Schools: 35 decibels (day and night)
Residential Areas: 55 decibels (day) / 45 decibels (night)
Commercial Areas: 70 decibels (day) / 60 decibels (night)
Industrial Areas: 85 decibels (day) / 65 decibels (night)
Mixed-use Areas: 65 decibels (day) / 55 decibels (night)
“In the past 18 months alone, LASEPA has received 1,616 complaints related to noise pollution, primarily from the activities of worship centres, industrial operations, nightlife venues, bars, lounges, and musical events,” Wahab revealed. “Of these cases, 610 have been successfully enforced through penalties, including fines and, in some cases, closure of non-compliant facilities.”
The Commissioner further stated that the Ministry has empowered LASEPA to intensify its enforcement efforts and ensure strict compliance with noise control regulations across all sectors of the state. He stressed that the agency will no longer tolerate violations and will not hesitate to prosecute defaulters.
“This is a direct warning to all stakeholders—especially worship centres, industrial facilities, entertainment businesses, lounges, bars, nightlife operators, and motor parks—to adhere strictly to the state’s noise regulations. Failure to do so will result in legal action as stipulated by law,” he stated.
In his welcome address, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, highlighted the severe health implications of noise pollution.
He warned that excessive noise exposure is linked to a range of serious health issues, including hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases, elevated blood pressure, stress-related illnesses, sleep disturbances, and decreased productivity.
Dr. Ajayi emphasized the urgent need for collective responsibility and compliance to mitigate the effects of noise pollution and to ensure a healthier and more sustainable urban environment for all residents of Lagos State.