Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has raised concerns about the detrimental effects of noise pollution on human health and urged residents to take steps to protect themselves.

Speaking at the 10th Noiseless Lagos Advocacy event, which had the theme ‘Curbing Noise Pollution in a Mega City,’ Wahab disclosed that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) eceived 1,616 complaints of noise pollution in the last 18 months from worship centres, industries, entertainment venues, bars, clubs, and musical organisations.

Wahab, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, stated that 610 of the reported cases were resolved, with some organisations shut down or fined for non-compliance.

“It is a clarion call on individuals, organisations, worship centres, religious bodies, and entertainment industries to follow and abide by the standard regulations and approved noise levels across all locations,” he said. He noted the acceptable noise limits in various areas, such as 55 decibels during the day and 45 at night for residential zones, urging adherence to these standards.

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, identified religious organisations as the primary contributors to noise pollution in Lagos, accounting for 66 per cent of the total complaints. While acknowledging the importance of spiritual gatherings, Ajayi stressed the need for compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

“If you are bringing more than 10 or 20 people together in a building, you must make arrangements for safety, security, and the environmental impact of that communication. Failure to adhere to regulations becomes a problem,” he stated.

Ajayi also revealed that LASEPA holds biannual engagements with religious and entertainment facilities to educate them on noise regulations and the importance of reducing noise pollution. The agency enforces compliance by issuing warnings, sealing premises, or confiscating equipment where necessary.

Guest lecturer Dr Adesegun Paul Adeyinka, an otolaryngologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), underscored the collective responsibility needed to curb noise pollution, citing its adverse effects on residents’ health.