The Enugu State Government has issued a directive to all churches and mosques in the state, giving them 90 days to remove outdoor loudspeakers and install soundproofing measures within their worship centers.
This decision was made on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders in the state regarding the implementation of the Enugu State Anti-Noise Pollution Policy. The meeting, organized by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, was attended by church leaders, media practitioners, government officials, and Muslim leaders.
Following the meeting, Uche Anya, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, issued the ultimatum. He stated, “From now until the next three months, every church and mosque must remove outside loudspeakers and begin to install soundproof (acoustic) systems in their worship centers.”
This directive follows the government’s 2023 urban renewal policy, which required nightclubs, beer parlors, and other entertainment operators to mitigate noise pollution, especially in residential areas of the capital city.
Addressing the stakeholders, Anya emphasized that noise pollution has become the state’s biggest challenge. He lamented that his office has received over 1,000 petitions regarding noise pollution from various churches, mosques, and businesses near residential areas.
“I have been in this office for one year, and in that time, we have received over a thousand petitions complaining about noise pollution,” Anya stated. “Noise pollution is rampant from Independence Layout to GRA, from GRA to Trans-Ekulu, from Trans-Ekulu to Agbani Road, from Agbani Road to Abakpa Nike, from Abakpa Nike to Ugwuaji, and beyond. People are in pain.”
This is a fantastic policy and one that is long overdue in Enugu. I hope the government will match words with action. As we all aspire for a new Enugu driven by the vision of our aspirational governor – Dr Mba, we must begin to improve standards starting with ‘low hanging fruits’ such as this policy. Yes, if you must make noise, soundproof your properties, please. Your neighbours need not know you are about to worship! Besides, there are proven health benefit to noise reduction – less stress for all! Tomorrow is indeed here!! Kudos to Dr Mba, and more grease to your elbow.
This is a laudable step. I think it’s one good thing I have seen this govt done since her inception. I still request this govt to look into security especially in Uzouwani and Opi to Enugu Rd thanks. Again reduce taxation poor women in the market are crying of over taxation
Please where can I report about this noise making issue, because I’m my area their is this particular man who refused to bring down his loud speaker, even he use to say it that the authorities have said their own, but his still continue , please we need help , as early as 5am, like 3 times in a week , it very disturbing, please we need a link and where to address our case thank you.
I’m so glad someone’s finally doing something about all the noise! Living near churches, mosques or temples can be tough with all the loudspeakers. Enugu State’s approach makes a lot of sense, giving places 90 days to fix things is fair and reasonable. Too much noise isn’t just annoying, it’s actually bad for our health and makes life less enjoyable. I’m really interested to see if they can actually enforce this rule and whether other states will copy this idea.