The Lagos State government has issued a strong warning to residents who may be tempted to cause noise pollution during and after the Yuletide season and threatens to prosecute anyone found culpable.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 24th by the the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, alongside the General Manager, of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency., Dr Babatunde Ajayi.
The statement also succinctly highlights the modalities the government has put in place to curb deafening noise in the state and ensure a serene environment to safeguard public health.
Wahab said the government have set up a task force committee to enforce the policy and ensure there is absolute compliance from the public. According to the commissioner, the task force includes members of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps who have been saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and arresting violators who will in turn face prosecution.
The state commissioner also acknowledges that festive seasons are full of activities and celebrations that inevitably create noise, however, he reiterated that the health and well-being of Lagos residents should be the ultimate priority. Additionally, he said unregulated noise has caused tremendous health challenges and environmental risks that have necessitated the current policy.
The statement read in part; “The Lagos State Government is committed to a zero-tolerance policy on noise pollution, particularly during the Yuletide season and beyond. The government has put proactive measures to curb excessive noise and safeguard public health.
“We acknowledged that the festive season brings heightened celebrations and activities that often lead to increased noise levels. But we have to prioritise the health and well-being of Lagos residents by reducing noise pollution”, he said.
