Lagos seals church, hotel, nightclub and nine others due to noise pollution – THIS UPDATE

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed 12 structures, including a church, hotels and a nightclub, following alleged persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings and abatement notices.

The checking operation, carried out on Tuesday, covered Ogba, Idimu-Ikota, Ejigbo, LASU-Iba Road, Igando and Agodo-Egbe areas of Lagos State.

LASEPA disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X profile on Wednesday, saying the affected factories repeatedly failed to comply with its environmental directives.

The agency said the enforcement follows “persistent violations of environmental regulations, despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and several opportunities granted to facilitate compliance with the Agency’s directives.”

It clarified that affected establishments had been notified prior to the latest action, with LASEPA maintaining that operators had been given the opportunity to address identified breaches prior to the sealing exercise.

The enforcement was carried out in line with the directives of the Lagos State Government, according to the agency, which said its objective was to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.

Among the sealed establishments was Thrillz Lounge on Odusanmi Street, Ogba, which LASEPA said was closed due to noise pollution and failure to comply with its directives.

Feixiang Plastic, located along LASU-Ojo Road at Oko Filling Bus Stop, was also sealed for non-compliance with the agency’s directives.

Limas, located at Aro-Oloye Street, off Abaranje Road, Abaranje, Ikotun, has been similarly targeted for alleged failure to comply with LASEPA directives.

Nico Hotel & Suites, located at Ayawo Close, NEPA Bus Stop, along Egbe-Isolo Road, Ejigbo, was also sealed for non-compliance.

Kobo Night Club on Abanishe Street, off Hostel Road, Agodo-Egbe, has been closed due to noise pollution and failure to comply with environmental guidelines.

Master Furniture, located at Coleman Street, Pao Bus Stop, Idimu-Ikota Road, was sealed for non-compliance, while Nikky’s Executive Bar & Lounge at Governor’s Road, Ikotun, was also closed for the same reason.

The list also included a religious institution, underscoring the agency’s warning that environmental rules apply not only to commercial establishments but also to places of worship and other facilities whose activities could affect surrounding communities.

LASEPA’s action comes against a backdrop of persistent environmental challenges associated with Lagos’ rapidly expanding population, commercial activities, nightlife and densely populated neighbourhoods.

Noise pollution remained a recurring source of complaints in the state, particularly around religious centers, hotels, clubs, lounges, event centers and other establishments operating in residential areas.

In addition to noise, environmental regulators also monitor compliance with requirements related to waste management, pollution control, facility operation, and other activities that may affect public health or environmental quality.

Speaking on the monitoring exercise, LASEPA Director General, Babatunde Ajayi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and conserving the environment.

Ajayi urged business owners, facility operators, religious institutions, scrap dealers and residents across the state to adopt environmentally responsible practices and comply with requirements governing their businesses.

He further called on operators to obtain all necessary permits and approvals and partner with LASEPA in its efforts to build what he described as a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

The director general’s warning suggests the latest sealing operation is unlikely to be an isolated operation, as the agency said it will continue to enforce environmental regulations across the state.

LASEPA argued that its enforcement activities are intended to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect residents from activities that could compromise public health and environmental safety.

The agency urged the affected factories and other establishments in Lagos to regularize their environmental obligations, obtain required approvals and comply with applicable regulations to avoid further enforcement action.

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