Olusegun Ariyo
Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling noise pollution through strengthened enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and public education
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said this at the 10th edition of the annual “Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Campaign” at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the governor of environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Wahab emphasised the urgent need to address the growing impact of noise pollution on human health and the environment in an ever-expanding megacity like Lagos.
According to him, the noiseless Lagos initiative is a core element of the state’s broader environmental sustainability agenda, aimed at raising awareness about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high noise levels, including hearing loss, cardiovascular issues, sleep disruptions, and reduced productivity.
He noted that the 10th year theme, “Curbing Noise in a Mega City,” is a clarion call to all individuals, religious institutions, businesses, and entertainment operators to comply with approved noise level regulations.
He said that in the past 18 months alone, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) received 1,616 noise pollution complaints, with over 610 cases enforced through closures, fines, or other regulatory measures.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s resolve to clamp down on violators and outlined specific noise limits applicable to various locations across the state:
Schools: 35 decibels (day and night), Residential areas: 55 dB (day) / 45 dB (night), Commercial centres: 70 dB (day) / 60 dB (night), Industrial areas: 85 dB (day) / 65 dB (night), and Mixed-use areas: 65 dB (day) / 55 dB (night).
To strengthen enforcement, Wahab said the Ministry has empowered LASEPA to intensify monitoring efforts and ensure stricter compliance across all sectors.
Key directives issued by the government at the event include: Mandatory permits for events involving amplified sound, Use of soundproof and enclosed spaces for noisy activities, and Strict adherence to regulated noise levels.
He called for a collaborative approach among stakeholders – including religious organisations, entertainment operators, event planners, and residents – to report violations and promote environmental responsibility.
“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,” Wahab said.
He urged residents to support the Noiseless Lagos campaign and work with the government to create a cleaner, healthier, and more serene environment.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mr. Tunde Ajayi, said that the agency has continued to engage religious houses in the on the need to reduce noise pollution in the state.
Ajayi said that there are various apps from the app store that give the minimum regulation of noise level for various areas and institutions.
He added that religious organisations contribute about sixty six per cent to the overall noise pollution in the state because of their proliferation.
The event was attended by representatives of various religious houses in the state.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has restricted construction activities across the state to between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm., Mondays to Saturdays.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, announced the new directive in a statement on Thursday, May 15, 2025, by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi.
Olumide said the measure became necessary to safeguard the environment, curb incidences of building collapse, and enhance the overall well-being of residents.
“This restriction must be strictly adhered to by all stakeholders in the construction sector.
“It is in the public interest and will be enforced by relevant government agencies.”
He added that while the state recognised the dynamic nature of building projects, any request to work beyond the stipulated hours must be made through a formal application and would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“Concessions may be granted but only after due diligence and evaluation,” he said.
The commissioner also urged residents to be vigilant and proactive by reporting construction sites that flout the directive.
“We encourage the public to take ownership of their environment. If you observe construction activities going on outside the approved hours, please report them to the appropriate authorities,” Olumide said.
A construction worker at a site in the Agodo-Egbe area in Alimosho Local Government, who gave his name simply as Musa Tola, said that while the policy might affect project timelines, it was a welcome development if it would help reduce hazards.
“Sometimes we work overnight to meet deadlines, but safety is important. If the government is serious about this, we will have to adjust,” Tola said.
Similarly, Mrs. Ifeoma Uche, a resident of Idimu, described the move as timely.
“Some sites work all night, and the noise disturbs everyone. I think this will bring some sanity,” she said.
Lagos has witnessed several building collapses in recent years, prompting renewed attention to regulatory oversight in the construction sector.
The government said enforcement of the new working hours would commence immediately.
