Lagos shut down over 352 Churches, Mosques, others

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has revealed that it shut down more than 352 facilities, including religious houses, over the past year due to noise pollution and other environmental violations. The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, made this known during his one-year report presentation in Ikeja, where he emphasized the agency’s ongoing battle to enforce compliance with noise regulations.

According to Dr. Ajayi, the most significant offenders are religious institutions, which often ignore the mandated noise limits. “After enforcement, they comply for a while, but soon return to the same violations,” he said. The agency has imposed fines and penalties, but Ajayi noted that repeat offenses remain a challenge. “There must be consequences for actions,” he added, highlighting the need for stricter measures.

The use of loudspeakers in public spaces, especially at bus stops and religious gatherings, has been flagged as a growing concern. Dr. Ajayi pointed out that noise levels in these areas frequently exceed acceptable limits, disturbing public peace. He noted that Christian worshippers and other groups often set up microphones in public spaces, contributing to the problem.

LASEPA has engaged religious leaders in dialogue, urging them to keep noise levels below 60 decibels during services. However, Ajayi emphasized that stricter policies are needed to control the proliferation of religious houses, some of which establish multiple branches on a single street. He called for stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable compliance and protect public health.