In a bid to combat the growing issue of noise pollution in the city, the Lagos State government has announced its plans to escalate the closure of more establishments, including nightclubs, churches and mosques that are contributing to environmental disturbances.
The decision was revealed by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, during a recent management meeting with Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and directors of the agency.
Wahab emphasised the need for LASEPA to reevaluate its operational strategies in alignment with international best practices. He stated, “I charged them to review their operational strategies following accepted international best practices.”
He further instructed the zonal directors and enforcement units to initiate advocacy and strict enforcement measures. Any public places such as bars, churches, clubs, mosques, and companies that are found to be causing environmental disturbances will be closed down. This initiative is in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Management Protection Law.
Lagos has witnessed a surge in the closure of nightclubs, bars and places of worship due to noise pollution concerns. Earlier this month, LASEPA sealed the Silk Club in Ikoyi for alleged noise pollution, following what they described as a “nightmare enforcement operation.”
Notably, late last year, the agency shut down the Quilox Club in the Victoria Island area of the state, citing its failure to comply with directives on organising events and not obtaining a sound control permit from the agency.
Noise pollution, characterised by excessive and disruptive sound, has become a growing concern in urban areas, affecting the quality of life for residents. Lagos State’s proactive measures aim to restore a more peaceful and sustainable environment for its citizens.