Govt orders removal of outdoor loudspeakers, enforces soundproofing in worship centers

The Enugu State Government has directed all churches and mosques within the state to remove outdoor loudspeakers and install soundproofing measures in their worship centers.

This directive was issued following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, which included Christian and Muslim leaders, government officials, and media practitioners.

The meeting was convened to discuss the enforcement of the Enugu State Anti-Noise Pollution Policy.

The gathering, organized by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), aimed to address the escalating concerns over noise pollution across the state. In his address, Uche Anya, Chairman of the ECTDA, announced a 90-day deadline for compliance.

“From today, all churches and mosques have three months to remove their outdoor loudspeakers and begin installing soundproofing (acoustic) systems in their worship centers,” Anya stated.

He further highlighted the severity of the noise pollution problem in Enugu, noting that his office had received over 1,000 complaints in the past year alone.

“In the one year I’ve been in office, we’ve recorded over a thousand petitions concerning noise pollution,” Anya disclosed.

The noise issue is particularly prevalent in areas such as Independence Layout, GRA, Trans-Ekulu, and Abakpa Nike.

This latest directive follows a similar order issued in 2023 under the state’s urban renewal policy, which targeted nightclubs, beer parlors, and other entertainment venues, especially those in residential areas, to curb excessive noise.

Anya reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a peaceful and noise-free environment for all residents. He stressed that the cooperation of religious leaders is crucial to the successful implementation of this policy.