The Kwara State Government has sealed six facilities in Ilorin for violating regulations on noise pollution, as part of a renewed enforcement drive to promote a safer and healthier environment.
The operation, which began on Monday, targeted business premises and entertainment centres found to be generating excessive noise within residential areas across the metropolis.
Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa Buge, who spoke after the monitoring exercise, said the ministry had shown enough leniency to operators whose activities produce noise but could no longer tolerate the discomfort caused to residents.
“We have been very diplomatic with business owners whose trade revolves around generating noise, but we can no longer marry that with the discomfort it creates for members of the public, especially within residential areas,” she said.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry had received numerous complaints from residents regarding noise pollution in the city.
“Folding our arms may mean endorsement, so we have commenced the sealing of relevant facilities where noise levels exceed what is acceptable for human comfort,” she added.
Buge warned that any business intending to operate in noise-generating environments must properly soundproof their facilities or comply strictly with the environmental guidelines communicated by the ministry.
She noted that the ministry would continue the exercise until full compliance is achieved, stressing that noise pollution poses a significant risk to public health and wellbeing.
The commissioner also urged residents, religious organisations, and business owners to adhere to the permissible noise levels of 55 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night, as stipulated by environmental regulations.