The Lagos State Government has renewed its commitment to curbing noise pollution through stricter enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and public education.
This was the thrust of the 10th edition of the Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Campaign held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab—represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu—highlighted the urgent need to address the adverse effects of noise pollution on human health and environmental well-being in a densely populated mega city like Lagos.
Wahab described the Noiseless Lagos initiative as a cornerstone of the state’s environmental sustainability agenda, aimed at raising awareness about the risks of prolonged exposure to excessive noise. These include hearing loss, cardiovascular problems, sleep disruption, and reduced productivity.
This year’s theme, “Curbing Noise in a Mega City,” serves as a call to action for individuals, religious institutions, businesses, and entertainment operators to adhere to approved noise level regulations.
Wahab revealed that in the past 18 months, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) received 1,616 noise pollution complaints, with over 610 cases resulting in enforcement actions such as closures, fines, or regulatory penalties.
He also reiterated noise level limits in line with environmental standards:
Schools: 35 decibels (day/night)
Residential Areas: 55 dB (day) / 45 dB (night)
Commercial Areas: 70 dB (day) / 60 dB (night)
Industrial Zones: 85 dB (day) / 65 dB (night)
Mixed-Use Areas: 65 dB (day) / 55 dB (night)
To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry has empowered LASEPA to increase its monitoring capacity and ensure compliance across all sectors.
Key directives issued at the event include:
Mandatory permits for events involving amplified sound
Use of soundproof and enclosed spaces for noisy activities
Strict compliance with prescribed noise levels
Wahab stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, urging religious organisations, event planners, entertainment operators, and residents to report violations and support efforts to maintain a healthier soundscape.
“As we strive toward sustainable development and a livable Lagos, this campaign is a collective call to action for all stakeholders to embrace noise-reducing practices,” he said.
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Also speaking, the General Manager of LASEPA, Mr. Tunde Ajayi, disclosed that the agency has ramped up engagement with religious houses, which he said account for an estimated 66% of the state’s noise pollution due to their proliferation.
Ajayi encouraged residents to use mobile apps that help monitor and report noise levels in line with state regulations.
The event was attended by representatives of various religious organisations across Lagos.
