The Enugu State government has given all churches and mosques in the state a 90-day deadline to remove their outdoor loudspeakers and adopt soundproofing measures within their worship centers. This decision is part of the state’s broader effort to reduce noise pollution and ensure a more peaceful environment for its residents.
The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, organized by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA). This meeting brought together Christian and Muslim leaders, government officials, and media practitioners to discuss the implementation of the Enugu State Anti-Noise Pollution Policy. The policy aims to address the growing concerns over noise pollution in the state, particularly in the capital city.
According to Hon. Uche Anya, the Chairman of the ECTDA, the decision to regulate noise levels was prompted by a flood of complaints from residents. His office has reportedly received over 1,000 letters from individuals across the state capital, expressing their frustration with the loud noises emanating from various churches and other business operations.
Hon. Uche Anya highlighted that noise pollution has become the biggest challenge in the Enugu state capital, affecting the quality of life of many residents. He noted that the primary concern of residents is their inability to get a good night’s sleep due to the incessant noise from nearby churches and businesses.
“We have received over 1,000 petitions from across the state from residential neighbors complaining about their inability to sleep at night because of the noise pollution emanating from the churches and business operations,” Anya stated. He emphasised the need for collaboration and support from religious institutions to successfully implement the noise reduction policy.
As part of the measures to ensure compliance, the Enugu State government has mandated that all places of worship operating in residential areas must install soundproofing to prevent their activities from disturbing neighbors. Hon. Anya urged the religious and business community to take the directive seriously, warning that the government would not tolerate non-compliance.
The ECTDA chairman further mentioned that bars and nightclubs operating in residential areas would also need to adhere to the soundproofing requirements. “We must ensure we eliminate noise in the state. We cannot allow any bar with free-to-air. If you must operate in a residential area, you must put acoustics to ensure that noise from your business and church does not affect your neighbors,” he added.
The directive has sparked a variety of reactions from the public. Many residents have welcomed the move, citing the disturbances they face due to loud noises from churches, mosques, and entertainment venues. One resident expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s long overdue. Religious activities should be modest.”
Another commented on a social media platform, saying, “I wish the Delta state government can replicate the same thing here. The noise from multiple churches in my neighborhood is unbearable.”
However, some individuals have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing soundproofing measures, especially in a country with limited resources. A user remarked, “Removing outside speakers is possible, but soundproofing churches in Nigeria is asking for too much in a third-world country.”
Others have questioned the prioritization of the government, suggesting that there are more pressing issues to be addressed in the state. One comment read, “Is this the problem of Enugu people?”
The Enugu State government’s recent directive is part of its broader urban renewal policy, which was initially rolled out in December 2023. As part of this initiative, the government had previously directed all nightclubs, beer parlors, and other entertainment operators to reduce their noise levels, especially in residential areas.