Report says noise pollution costs €990 billionand puts 970 million people at risk

As experts call for action at LASEPA stakeholders’ summit

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Environmental specialists warned that immediate measures are needed to address noise pollution after World Health Organization (WHO) data indicated that 970 million people are exposed to harmful noise levels, resulting in an annual economic loss of €990 billion due to impacts on health care and productivity.

At the 11th Noiseless Lagos Stakeholders’ Summit in Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), consultant Rotimi Soremekun, and town planner Mujeedah Ishmael called for practical steps to curb noise pollution in Lagos and across Nigeria.

The summit, organized by LASEPA under the theme “Advancing sound control and technology in an emerging smart city,” was attended by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Islamic Clerics Nigeria Inter‑Religious Council (NIREC), and other stakeholder groups.

In his presentation, Soremekun highlighted that noise contributes to sleep disruption, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and reduced productivity, noting that perceptions of noise vary between communities.

He urged religious institutions and entertainment venues to install sound‑proofing measures and to fit noise‑limiting devices on their sound systems.

Soremekun and Ishmael each appealed to religious leaders and entertainers to self‑regulate their noise output to avoid potential government sanctions.

They also recommended that the government launch immediate community engagement, public‑private partnerships, phased roll‑outs, anonymized data protocols, and blockchain encryption to mitigate urban noise challenges.

The speakers called for strict compliance with sector regulations and sustained enforcement by authorities.

“It is not until we make noisily prayers before God answers our prayer,” they stated.

Ajayi explained that LASEPA, aware of the economic and health consequences of harmful noise, regularly engages key stakeholders such as religious leaders and entertainers to educate them on complying with state noise policies.

He emphasized that the agency seeks to combine enforcement with education and sensitisation of its partners.

Ajayi disclosed that, within the first four months of 2026, LASEPA’s enforcement actions led to the sealing of 500 facilities out of more than 3,000 complaints received.

“As we all know, Lagos continues to evolve rapidly from a megacity into a smart city, with increasing population growth and the attendant environmental challenges arising from vehicular activities, industrial operations, commercial centres, entertainment hubs, and other human activities that contribute significantly to noise pollution,” he said.

“As the population continues to expand, LASEPA has continued to strengthen and modernise its noise control and environmental monitoring strategies in recognition of the serious health implications associated with excessive noise exposure.”

“Scientific studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing impairment, stress, hypertension, sleep disorders, reduced productivity, and several other adverse health conditions.”

“In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability and public health protection, LASEPA has continued to leverage technology in environmental regulation and enforcement.”

“As we speak, the Agency has installed close to 200 sensors across Lagos State to monitor air quality and other environmental activities relating to industrial operations and pollution management.”

“We have also strengthened our regulatory framework by making soundproofing measures mandatory for religious organisations, hospitality businesses, nightclubs, lounges, restaurants, and other facilities with high noise‑generating activities.”

“In the last two years, the Agency has further intensified its advocacy and enforcement activities on noise pollution control through the deployment of reliable data and evidence‑based environmental monitoring systems to guide our operations.”

A playlet performed by secondary‑school pupils illustrated the dangers of noise on health and academic performance, and the four best participants from a prior essay and debate competition received medals, trophies, and gifts.

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