Noise pollution has annoyed the Lagos state government to the point of shutting hundreds of recalcitrant religious houses. Find out more…
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), shared this information during a media briefing in Ikeja. He discussed the challenges of enforcing noise regulations.
“Residents behave poorly in terms of complying with regulations,” Ajayi noted. He highlighted that one major issue with noise is the temporary compliance after enforcement. “They go back to the same offense,” he added. This cycle leads to repeated enforcement actions.
Ajayi emphasized the need for consequences, stating, “There must be consequences for actions.” He pointed out that fines and shutdowns help to ensure compliance, at least temporarily. He also mentioned that this issue is not unique to Nigeria but is a global problem.
Challenges in controlling noise pollution
Ajayi identified the use of microphones at bus stops and religious venues as significant contributors to noise pollution. He stated, “Even Christian worshippers come out with loudspeakers and microphones to preach in public.”
He noted that religious houses contribute the most to the noise. The lack of control over their operations exacerbates the issue. He expressed the hope this time, some of them would comply with government regulations. “It takes a strong-willed policy to have that in control,” he said. He highlighted that some churches and mosques want multiple branches on the same street.
Ajayi has engaged with representatives of religious houses about the dangers of noise pollution. “We need to maintain less than 60 decibels for decorum during service,” he advised. He pointed out the risks this poses to both the public and the congregants. Regular engagement on this topic continues to be a priority for LASEPA.
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