By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has warned that rising noise pollution poses significant health risks, urging residents to prioritise quieter and healthier environments.
The agency gave the warning on Thursday during the grand finale of its Inter-District Essay and Debate Competition held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the 2026 International Noise Awareness Day themed, “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Environment, Rotimi Akodu, stressed that noise pollution should no longer be treated as a mere nuisance but as a serious public health concern.
“Prolonged exposure to noise above 65 decibels can lead to hypertension, stress, and hearing loss.
In Lagos, nighttime residential noise is capped at 55 decibels, and this must be respected,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokumu Adebite, noted that excessive noise disrupts concentration, impairs learning, and reduces academic productivity, describing the initiative as vital in shaping responsible future citizens.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Adeyinka Sorungbe, added that tackling noise pollution requires collective responsibility, noting that generators, industrial machines, transport systems, and digital devices contribute significantly to rising noise levels.
He called for stricter enforcement of regulations, innovation in quieter technologies, and responsible behaviour among citizens.
In his welcome address, LASEPA General Manager, Tunde Ajayi, said the state’s dense population and economic activities have intensified noise levels, linking them to hearing loss, sleep disruption, and reduced quality of life.
“We are engaging students, religious organisations, event planners, and construction workers to promote responsible behaviour,” Ajayi said.
Head of LASEPA’s Noise Control Unit, Abosede Natufe, said International Noise Awareness Day provides an opportunity to educate the public on the dangers of excessive noise in homes, religious centres, restaurants, and public spaces.
The event featured a debate among secondary school students from six education districts on the topic, “Technology and Noise: Who Bears the Responsibility and Consequences?”
Modele Olufemi of Alimosho Senior Grammar School emerged overall winner with 373 points, followed by Bello Awwal of Obele Community Senior High School with 368 points, while Onaolapo Olabiyi of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kanko, placed third with 339 points.
The winners are expected to be honoured at the agency’s Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Programme scheduled for May 12, 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium.
Free hearing tests were also conducted at the event to reinforce awareness on hearing protection.
