Yuletide: Lagos State Declares Zero Tolerance On Noise Policy

The Lagos state government has declared zero tolerance for noise pollution, tagged, ‘Noiseless Lagos’ policy, during and after the Yuletide season.

This according to the government is to prevent the health hazards associated with the menace on residents and the environment.

Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, in company of General Manager, Lagos State Environmental protection Agency, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, declared this at a joint Media briefing in Alausa, lkeja.

The commissioner warned residents to shun excessive noise during the festivities as violators would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Wahab acknowledged that yuletide is a period of celebration and merry-making accompanied with noisy activities but maintained that it is equally important to prioritize the well- being of the people and quality of life of all the residents during celebrations.

He said “Noise Pollution has remained a persistent problem in our dear State despite a lot of government regulations and advocacy around it. If we compare the gains of the celebration of this season with unregulated noises everywhere with its health and environmental consequences after the celebration, you will agree with me that there is the need for the State government to put necessary checks in place that will minimize and regulate permissible noise level across various organizations and establishments in the State, so that we do not ignorantly take a step that will negatively and permanently endanger our health after the celebration that will last for a short time.

“As we are approaching the yuletide, we are appealing to all residents, businesses, religious organizations, visitors to the State, industrial organizations, merry makers, entertainment industry and the likes to abide by the ‘Noiseless Lagos’ policy of the State government by taking necessary steps to minimize noise levels that will be emanating from their operations or activities, because of its dangerous consequences on the health of the citizenry and the environment.

“In achieving our goal of zero tolerance for noise pollution in every part of the State towards actualizing the vision for a Noiseless Lagos that is peaceful, quieter, safer and healthier at all times (during and after the Yuletide), Lagos State government will be implementing some measures that will help to strengthen our advocacy on minimizing noise pollution in the State effective from this moment in the overall interest of the public.”

Some of the measures for enforcement, the commissioner added, include: formation of special taskforce, on noise pollution, strict enforcement on noise pollution, worship centres, night clubs must obtain permit and soundproof premises before any public concert, massive public enlightenment, stakeholders’ collaboration, among others.

He assured residents that the Ministry will continue to implement government reform policies on sustainable environment that aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S plus development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.