Some shop owners and residents in Lagos communities have called for stronger enforcement of noise regulations over persistent disturbances.
They spoke in separate interviews with reporters about noise pollution in Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and around Pen Cinema, Agege.
Reporters observed that generator noise, vehicle horns and mosque announcements were audible at Ajose Street Roundabout, Amukoko.
Mr Olumide Adebayo, a shop owner at Amukoko, said excessive noise had become a regular experience, affecting his ability to rest peacefully.
He said inadequate electricity supply had forced businesses to rely on generators, making it difficult for residents to escape the noise.
Adebayo said residents had little choice but to tolerate the situation because they lived and operated businesses within the same community.
He called for improved electricity supply to reduce dependence on generators and the noise associated with their use.
Miss Bola Daniel, a shop owner, identified touts as major sources of noise in the area.
She said their shouting, quarrelling and fighting often caused disturbances and made the environment uncomfortable for residents and businesses.
Mrs Saidat Adegoke, a resident, said excessive noise, particularly from places of worship, was a regular occurrence in the neighbourhood.
She said the disturbances affected her ability to rest and called for some commercial activities and places of worship to be located farther from residential areas.
Another shop owner, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, said loud music and shouting were among the major sources of noise in the community.
He said the noise affected his concentration at work and delayed the completion of his tasks.
Ahmed said residents had tried to engage those responsible for the noise, but the situation had not improved.
He urged community authorities to establish clear rules and sensitise residents on the need to reduce excessive noise.
Adebola Ajayi, a resident around Pen Cinema Market, Agege, said she experienced excessive noise from vehicles, touts, loudspeakers and music, particularly at night.
She said the noise distracted her from her studies and affected her rest.
“The government needs to enforce the noise regulation around here. A market should not be this loud if it is located close to where people live,” she said.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said at the 11th Noiseless Lagos Summit in May that noise pollution accounted for about 65 per cent of complaints received by the agency.
LASEPA stated on its website that noise above 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night in residential areas constitutes excessive noise.
The Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, Part VI, Section 177, also prohibits excessive noise in private and public places.
The residents and shop owners called for improved electricity supply, stricter enforcement of existing regulations and greater community sensitisation to reduce noise pollution.
They said stronger action would help restore a quieter environment where residents could rest, study and work without constant disturbance.
