Noise pollution enforcement applies equally to all faiths — Lagos gov’t

Abdullateef Fowewe

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reaffirmed that the state government’s crackdown on noise pollution is strictly non-religious and driven solely by public complaints and the law.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Wahab shared a photograph of Ifelodun Mosque being sealed by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

The image shows a LASEPA officer in a high-visibility vest at the gated entrance of the building, which features a large outdoor loudspeaker.

“This was Ifelodun Mosque during an enforcement operation by LASEPA, which resulted in its sealing,” Wahab wrote.

He continued, “Noise pollution has absolutely nothing to do with religion. Whenever a complaint is received, we will investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with the law, irrespective of the institution involved.”

The commissioner directed residents to channel all noise-related complaints to LASEPA or its General Manager, Dr Tunde Ajayi.

The post came in response to a comment urging the government to “extend this to the mosque blasting call to prayers in the early morning,” following other recent enforcement actions against churches.

Noise pollution remains a persistent challenge in densely populated Lagos.

LASEPA, the state’s environmental regulator, has long targeted excessive noise from religious institutions, nightclubs, hotels, and other sources.

Under Lagos State Environmental Law, residential noise limits are typically set at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.

In December 2023, LASEPA sealed Ifelodun Mosque alongside several churches including a Redeemed Christian Church of God parish and hospitality businesses for noise and other environmental violations.

Similar operations have continued under Wahab, who has served as commissioner since September 2023.

Just recently, the agency sealed churches in Surulere and Ifako-Ijaiye for repeated breaches of noise rules and earlier agreements on soundproofing and restricted night activities.

LASEPA marked its 30th anniversary earlier this month, reporting more than 30,000 noise pollution enforcement actions over three decades.

The agency emphasises that complaints can be submitted and tracked online, and that no institution is exempt.