Victor Ayeni highlights the challenges faced by citizens living near religious centers, nightclubs, and hotels due to noise pollution. The article delves into the impact of weak enforcement on this issue, despite the purported efforts to address it.
A hot Tuesday evening found Olufemi Adeyinka, residing close to a Pentecostal church in Lagos’ Ogba area, closing his laptop in frustration. The deafening cacophony blaring from the church’s speakers had been a source of constant annoyance for him. The bass thudding, loud prayers, and combative songs triggered a pounding headache.
Adeyinka had hoped for a peaceful abode when he rented a mini-flat at Mojisola Street. However, the reality turned out to be different, with the disturbing noise from the church’s mega speaker disrupting his sleep and productivity on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, in Ibadan, medical student Francis Njoku experienced a similar ordeal, contending with noise from mosques, a landlord’s loud music, and even a cow that would bellow at night, causing sleep disturbances.
The issue of noise pollution extends beyond religious centers to encompass industrial, vehicular, and construction noises. Abraham Akpan, a project manager in Lagos, highlighted how traffic noise, car honking, and generator use contribute to the overall problem.
Jide Adeleke, a civil servant in Ibadan, emphasized the influence of religion in preventing open criticism of noise pollution arising from religious activities. He shared his personal experience of being unable to voice his concerns about a mosque’s loudspeaker disrupting his daily life.
Studies have linked noise pollution to physical and mental health issues, including hypertension, sleep disturbance, and adverse effects on public health. Exposure to noise has been associated with increased risk of hypertension, headache, and even damage to auditory mechanisms.
An event expert, Kemi Remi-Dairo, shared a harrowing experience of losing hearing in one ear due to exposure to very loud sound. The World Health Organization defines noise above 65 decibels as harmful and highlights it as a major environmental threat to health.
Dr. Bunmilola Oyeleye-Bello, an ENT specialist, explained the impact of prolonged noise exposure on hearing, urging government intervention to set limits and enforce protective measures in areas with excessive noise.
Dr. Victor Essien, a mental health expert, further emphasized the adverse mental health effects of noise pollution, including increased stress levels and sleep disturbances, underscoring the need for effective enforcement to address the problem.
Despite existing laws against noise pollution, enforcement seems lacking, with many affected citizens either unaware of their rights or hesitant to report violations. LASEPA’s guidelines on acceptable noise levels in different settings aim to regulate noise pollution, but the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable.
Residents have criticized the enforcement efforts, subscribing to the notion that the crackdowns serve as a revenue drive rather than a genuine attempt to address noise pollution. In response, citizens have turned to social media, seeking support from influencers and bloggers, and airing their grievances about noise pollution.
Lawyer Adekunle Manuwa emphasized the need for awareness of legal frameworks to combat noise pollution, empowering affected individuals to seek necessary actions against violators. He highlighted the provisions for legal recourse against noise pollution under state laws, such as the right to sue for injunctive relief.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of LASEPA, acknowledged the need for advocacy in addressing noise pollution, particularly in markets and motor parks, to raise awareness about the adverse effects of excessive noise and promote compliance with regulations.