LASEPA rallies stakeholders on noise reduction at 11th Noiseless Lagos Summit

By Tunji Faleye

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) on Tuesday convened the 11th edition of the Noiseless Lagos Summit at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, as part of ongoing efforts to curb noise pollution and promote a healthier urban environment.
The summit, themed “Advancing Sound Control and Technology in an Emerging Smart City,” brought together religious leaders, entertainment operators, environmental stakeholders, government officials and members of the public to deliberate on the growing impact of excessive noise on residents across the state.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, described the summit as part of the agency’s sustained advocacy and stakeholders engagement strategy aimed at reducing environmental noise pollution in Lagos.
According to him, “the initiative was designed to create continuous interaction between the agency and operators of clubs, restaurants, worship centres and other establishments often linked to noise complaints from residents.”
He explained that the summit serves as a platform to regularly engage stakeholders, educate them on environmental regulations and encourage compliance with established standards.
Ajayi noted that enforcement measures alone would not adequately address the challenge of noise pollution, stressing that consistent dialogue, sensitization and advocacy remain critical to achieving long-term behavioural change among residents and businesses.

“We understand that enforcement cannot be the only solution to the problem of noise pollution. Continuous engagement and advocacy with our partners and businesses are important in ensuring compliance and reducing the incidents of environmental disturbance,” he said.
Several government officials who delivered goodwill messages at the summit expressed support for LASEPA’s initiatives and reaffirmed the commitment of their respective agencies to environmental sustainability and public safety.
Among them were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Princess Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji, represented by Dr. Olasunkanmi Sojinu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Adeyinka Sorongbe, represented by Mrs. Remi Ashiru; as well as the Comptroller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, represented by Mr. Adesina Semiu.
They commended LASEPA for sustaining public awareness campaigns and strengthening collaborative efforts targeted at tackling excessive noise and environmental infractions in the state.
Religious leaders who attended the summit also pledged support for the agency’s campaign against noise pollution.
Among them were Imam Badmus Sulaiman, Chief Imam of Deji Oworu Mosque, Alapere; Rev. Dr. Dele Ajayi, Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ; Rev. Dr. Olurotimi Taiwo; and representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The clerics praised the agency’s commitment to environmental protection and assured participants that they would continue to educate their members on the need to comply with regulations aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and public health.
Guest speakers at the event also delivered presentations on urban planning, sound management and emerging technologies for controlling noise in rapidly developing cities.
A town planner from the Office of Physical Planning, Mojidat Olaide, spoke on the topic “Illegal Conversion of Residential Buildings to Worship Centres: Planning and Environmental Implications.”
She stressed the importance of enforcing planning regulations and environmental laws, noting that proper urban planning is essential for the development of a smart and sustainable city.
According to her, all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure that residential areas are protected from environmental disturbances arising from illegal conversions and unregulated activities.
Another facilitator, Engineer Soremekun Rotimi Joseph, delivered a presentation on “Sound Control and Technology in Emerging Smart Cities.”
He advised organisations, worship centres and entertainment operators to adopt acoustic control measures capable of reducing excessive noise in workplaces and public spaces.
He further highlighted the role of green infrastructure and environmentally friendly technologies in mitigating noise pollution and improving the quality of life in urban communities.
As part of activities marking the summit, students of Oregun Senior High School staged a playlet illustrating the adverse effects of noise pollution on society and the need for greater public responsibility.
The event also featured the presentation of prizes and trophies to finalists in the 2026 INAD Inter-District Essay Competition.
Ayodele David of Alimosho Senior Secondary School, District 1, emerged overall winner with a score of 373 points in the debate competition.
Bello Awual from Obele Community Senior High School, District 4, secured second position with 368 points, while Onaolapo Olabiyi of Lagos State Model College, District 5, came third with 339 points.
Nnajiofor Pamela of Eva Adelaja Girls Senior Secondary School, District 2, finished in fourth place with 333 points.

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