…..Warns Religious Organizations, Industries Against Noise Pollution
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) today joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) with the theme “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health.”
The event, which was held at the Conference Room of the agency, Alausa, is a global campaign against noise pollution because of its negative impact on human health.
Speaking at the press briefing, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, welcomed stakeholders, partners, and members of the public, emphasising the growing importance of noise regulation in Lagos State.
He commended the large turnout and participation in the sensitization campaign, which covered key areas across the state.
Dr. Ajayi noted the pressing need to raise awareness about the health implications of noise pollution, citing its adverse effects on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. “Noise pollution is not just a nuisance; it is a serious public health issue. This year’s theme is a clarion call to action, urging everyone—especially those in health, safety, and environmental management—to take up the cause of reducing noise pollution in Lagos,” he said.
Highlighting the agency’s efforts in noise reduction, Dr. Ajayi disclosed that over the past 18 months, LASEPA had received about 1,616 noise-related complaints, of which 600 had resulted in enforcement actions across diverse sectors including religious organizations, entertainment, clubs, lounges, and restaurants.
The General Manager further disclosed that his agency would continue to collaborate with religious leaders and other organizations through periodic engagements to promote compliance with permissible noise levels in residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas for public health and safety.
Dr. Ajayi in a strong warning to habitual violators of government regulations, announced that the agency would intensify its enforcement, including impounding sound equipment from defaulters, particularly in open markets and public areas using loudspeakers indiscriminately.
He disclosed that the agency has simplified its sound permit approval process by digitising it to make it seamless, adding that anyone who has an event could apply for the permit through the agency’s website:info @lasepa.gov.ng.
While maintaining that the process could be done online without needing to come to the agency, he assured residents that the agency would scale up its advocacy to grassroots levels, including local governments, CDAs, and CDCs.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director, Noise Pollution Unit, Mrs Natufe Abosede emphasised the importance of proactive hearing health, noting that excessive noise is not just a nuisance but a serious environmental and public health issue
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of an award of excellence to the General Manager of LASEPA by the Music Advertisement Association of Nigeria (MAAN) in recognition of his leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The event also featured free hearing tests for participants, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention of hearing loss.