Environmental experts have highlighted the severe economic and health consequences of noise pollution, revealing that the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 970 million people are exposed to harmful noise annually, resulting in a staggering €990 billion economic burden from noise-induced healthcare costs and lost productivity. This disclosure was made at the 11th Noiseless Lagos Summit, organized by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), under the theme 'Advancing sound control and technology in an emerging smart city'.
LASEPA's Commitment to Noise Control
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, reiterated the agency's dedication to addressing noise pollution. He emphasized that LASEPA understands the economic and health implications of harmful noise and regularly engages critical stakeholders, including religious leaders and entertainers, to educate them on compliance with the state government's noise policy. 'The agency does not just want to be enforcing without educating its stakeholders,' Ajayi stated. He revealed that within the first four months of 2026, LASEPA received over 3,000 noise complaints, leading to enforcement actions that resulted in the sealing of 500 facilities.
Health and Productivity Impacts
In his presentation, environmental pollution expert Mr. Soremekun Joseph noted that noise contributes to sleep disruption, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, and reduced productivity. He stressed that the definition of noise varies from community to community. Joseph urged religious houses and entertainment centers to install sound deadeners in their structures and incorporate noise limiters in sound systems. He implored them to self-regulate, warning that failure to do so might force government regulation, which would not be in their best interest. 'It is not until we offer noisy prayers before God answers,' he observed.
Role of Proper Planning
Mrs. Mujeedah Ishmael, a town planner, also highlighted the dangers of noise pollution and emphasized the importance of building right to mitigate its effects. The summit featured a playlet by secondary school pupils demonstrating the dangers of noise to health and academic performance. Additionally, the best four students who participated in an earlier essay and debate competition were rewarded with medals and gifts for their efforts.
