The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has launched a crackdown on several establishments across the city, resulting in the closure of religious centers, hotels, and other businesses over environmental violations, particularly noise pollution.
In a recent enforcement exercise, LASEPA sealed a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), an Assemblies of God Church, and a mosque. Also shut down were five hotels, two gas plants, and a pure water factory. The businesses were accused of violating environmental laws, with noise pollution and improper facility siting being the primary issues.
LASEPA’s inspection focused on areas such as Surulere, Agege, Lagos Mainland, and Kosofe, where a range of businesses and religious centers were found to be flouting environmental regulations. The affected hotels included Home Guest House, Feel at Home, Pholar Suites, Oak Spring Hotel, and 18plus Hotel. These establishments were found to be causing disturbances with excessive noise, especially during late hours.
The religious centers that were sealed as part of the enforcement action included the Assemblies of God Church, RCCG, and the Anwarul Islam Movement mosque. These centers were accused of violating noise control laws, which require places of worship to ensure their activities do not disturb surrounding residents.
In addition to these closures, LASEPA also shut down two gas plants, Chibuzor Gas and Dolax Gas, as well as the Eco Fresh Pure Water factory. These businesses were found to have improper siting, with some operating in residential areas where they posed safety risks.
LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, explained that the agency’s actions were aimed at safeguarding public health and safety. According to Ajayi, the agency is committed to ensuring that businesses and religious centers adhere to environmental regulations, as violations like noise pollution and improper facility siting can pose serious threats to both human lives and public peace.
“Noise pollution is a growing concern in Lagos, and it is essential that businesses, religious centers, and other establishments operate within the boundaries of the law,” said Ajayi. “The closure of these establishments is part of our ongoing efforts to restore order and enforce the state’s environmental laws.”
The LASEPA boss noted that noise pollution, particularly from places of worship and hotels, had become a major problem in several parts of Lagos, disrupting the peace and causing discomfort to residents. He stressed that while religious practices were important, they should not infringe on the rights of others to live in a peaceful and quiet environment.
In addition to noise pollution, improper siting of businesses like gas refilling stations and factories near residential areas has been a major concern. Gas plants and factories located in these areas not only pose safety hazards but also contribute to air pollution, further affecting the health of residents.
The enforcement actions by LASEPA come as part of a broader strategy to tackle environmental issues in the state. The agency has been intensifying its efforts to monitor businesses and religious centers to ensure they follow established guidelines. The crackdown has already led to the closure of 619 businesses for various environmental infractions, and LASEPA has set ambitious goals for 2025 to reduce the number of such violations.
Dr. Ajayi urged businesses and residents to comply with environmental laws to avoid penalties. He stated that LASEPA would continue its enforcement operations across the state and would not hesitate to take action against those who continue to flout environmental regulations.
“We are taking these steps to maintain a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for all residents of Lagos,” he said. “We will not tolerate any actions that disrupt public peace or endanger lives. It is crucial for all Lagosians to understand the importance of following environmental laws and working together to protect our environment.”
Ajayi also encouraged residents to report any environmental infractions in their communities. He highlighted the role of the public in ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and pleasant place to live. The public can report violations through various channels, including the LASEPA website and social media platforms.
The crackdown has raised awareness about the growing issue of noise pollution in Lagos, where rapid urbanization has led to an increase in the number of businesses and religious centers operating without regard for their environmental impact. While some residents support the enforcement actions, others have expressed concern about the impact of the closures on businesses, especially those that cater to people’s religious needs.
In a densely populated and ever-growing city like Lagos, balancing the rights of residents to a peaceful environment with the needs of businesses and religious organizations is a delicate task. However, LASEPA’s recent actions signal the state’s determination to ensure that everyone follows the rules and contributes to a cleaner, safer city.
As LASEPA continues its crackdown, the agency is urging business owners, religious leaders, and residents to prioritize environmental responsibility. This includes taking steps to reduce noise pollution, ensuring proper siting of facilities, and complying with other environmental regulations.
While many residents have welcomed the enforcement actions, some have called for clearer guidelines on the acceptable levels of noise, particularly from religious centers. They argue that places of worship, especially those that host large congregations, should be given leeway to conduct their activities without fear of shutdowns.
LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Ajayi, assured the public that the agency would continue to engage with stakeholders to find solutions that promote peaceful coexistence between businesses, religious centers, and residents. He also emphasized that LASEPA would not relent in its efforts to protect the environment and ensure that Lagos remains a liveable and safe city for everyone.
