The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) marked the 2025 International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) and joined the global community in raising awareness about the dangers of noise pollution.
Held at LASEPA’s Conference Room in Alausa, the event was centred on the theme, “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health,” emphasising the adverse health effects of noise on individuals and communities.
Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, welcomed attendees, including stakeholders, partners, and members of the public, underscoring the growing importance of regulating noise in Lagos State.
He commended the significant turnout and active participation in the sensitisation campaign, which spanned key areas of the state.
Ajayi stressed the urgent need to increase public awareness about the serious health risks posed by noise pollution, including its impact on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
“Noise pollution is not just an inconvenience; it is a critical public health issue,” he stated.
“This year’s theme serves as a call to action, urging everyone, especially those in health, safety, and environmental management, to take steps toward reducing noise pollution in Lagos.”
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Ajayi highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts in noise reduction, revealing that over the past 18 months, LASEPA had received 1,616 noise-related complaints, with 600 resulting in enforcement actions.
These included interventions across various sectors such as religious organisations, entertainment venues, clubs, lounges, and restaurants.
In a stern warning to persistent violators of noise regulations, Ajayi affirmed that LASEPA would intensify enforcement efforts, including the impounding of sound equipment used by defaulters, particularly in open markets and public spaces where loudspeakers are often misused.
He also shared that LASEPA had streamlined the sound permit application process by digitising it, allowing event organisers to apply for permits online via the agency’s website info@lasepa.gov.ng, mailto:info@lasepa.gov.ng
“This digital approach will make the process smoother and more accessible, without the need for residents to visit the agency in person,” Ajayi explained.
He added that the agency would expand its advocacy efforts to include grassroots outreach through local governments, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees (CDCs).
Earlier, Natufe Abosede, Director of LASEPA’s Noise Pollution Unit, highlighted the importance of proactive hearing health, noting that excessive noise is not only a nuisance but a significant environmental and public health issue.
The event concluded with the presentation of an award of excellence to Ajayi by the Music Advertisement Association of Nigeria (MAAN), in recognition of his leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Participants also benefited from free hearing tests, underscoring the importance of early detection and prevention of hearing loss in the fight against noise pollution.
