Peace Emmanuella
Sowemimo Adeniyi
Introduction: A Nation That Never Sleeps; But At What Cost?
Nigeria is a country of vibrant sounds. From dawn till late into the night, noise is everywhere — in the markets, on the streets, inside our homes, even in places meant for worship or rest. It comes in different forms: the roaring of generators, constant honking on the roads, loud street preachers, music blasting from nearby shops or parties, and megaphones mounted outside religious centers.
To most of us, this has become a part of daily life. We are so used to the noise that silence now feels strange. But what many people fail to realize is that this “everyday noise” is doing more harm than we think.
We often talk about air pollution and dirty environments, but rarely do we speak about noise as pollution even though it affects our health, sleep, mood, and concentration. The truth is, noise pollution is one of the most ignored environmental issues in Nigeria today.
This article aims to shed light on how noise has silently become a problem we live with, the damage it’s causing to our physical and mental health, and what can be done before it gets completely out of hand.
What is Noise Pollution?
Noise pollution refers to any form of unwanted or disturbing sound that interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, communication, or working. It can come from multiple sources: traffic, construction sites, industrial activities, religious gatherings, loud music, generators, and even neighborhood social events.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sound levels above 70 decibels over a prolonged period can lead to hearing damage. In many Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the average environmental noise far exceeds that limit.
The Nigerian Reality
In a 2022 feature published by The Guardian Nigeria, titled; “Lagos tops list of noisiest cities in the world”, Lagos was ranked among the top noisiest cities globally, with sound levels often crossing 100 decibels in commercial zones like Oshodi, Yaba, and Ikeja. The article outlined how daily urban life worsened by the lack of planning and regulation enforcement, has exposed millions of Nigerians to unhealthy noise levels.
The article cited complaints from Lagos residents, who say they can no longer differentiate daytime from night because there is always a sound blasting from somewhere. Churches conducting vigils through the night, neighbors with power-generating sets, and roadside mechanics playing loud music on old stereo boxes have made sleep and concentration almost impossible.
On the global scale, an article by BBC News published in April 2023, “The silent damage of loud cities, “examined how megacities such as Mumbai, New York, Tokyo, and Lagos are seeing a surge in health conditions caused by urban noise. The report mentioned that noise pollution contributes to high blood pressure, reduced learning abilities in children, and heart-related complications in adults.
Major Causes of Noise Pollution in Nigeria
Let’s look at some of the most common sources of noise pollution in Nigeria:
- Generators
Due to unreliable electricity supply from the national grid, almost every home and business in Nigeria owns a generator. These machines vary in sound level but collectively create a loud and disturbing background hum — especially at night.
- Religious Worship Centers
Churches and mosques often use megaphones, loudspeakers, and musical instruments for hours at a stretch, sometimes late into the night or very early in the morning. In some neighborhoods, multiple houses of worship are located within one block, creating a chaotic audio environment.
3.Traffic and Public Transport
From commercial motorcycles (okadas) to buses and trailers, vehicle horns are used indiscriminately. Lagos and Kano are especially notorious for this. Drivers often honk their way through traffic as a form of communication or dominance.
- Social Gatherings and Political Events
Weddings, street carnivals, birthday parties, and political rallies make use of deafening speakers, often in residential areas, with no consideration for time or neighbors.
- Markets and Street Hawkers
Vendors use loud chants, handbells, and even mobile sound systems to attract customers. Major markets like Balogun, Alaba, and Dugbe in Ibadan are constantly buzzing with sound, from dawn to dusk.
Health Effects of Noise Pollution
Noise doesn’t just disturb, rather, it damages. According to the WHO and various public health studies, constant exposure to high-decibel noise can lead to:
Hearing Loss
Cardiovascular Issues (e.g., high blood pressure, stroke)
Stress and Anxiety Disorders
Sleep Disorders and Fatigue
Reduced Academic Performance
Mental Health Problems
Students living near highways or busy roads often report an inability to concentrate or sleep properly. It’s not surprising, then, that noise pollution is being considered a *silent epidemic* in modern society.
Existing Laws and Weak Enforcement
Nigeria has a legal framework that addresses noise pollution — the **National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations of 2009** under the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). These regulations set noise level limits for different zones (residential, industrial, commercial, etc.) and times of the day.
However, implementation is almost nonexistent. Most citizens are unaware that such laws exist. Even when complaints are made, little or no action is taken, largely due to a lack of manpower, corruption, and poor environmental education. In fact, most offenders — including religious houses and businesses — see no reason to reduce their noise output since there are rarely any penalties.
Can It Be Controlled?
Yes!But it actually requires a collective effort from the government, communities, and individuals. Some recommended solutions include:
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens on noise levels, health implications, and personal responsibility.
Stricter Enforcement: Empower NESREA and state environmental agencies to inspect and prosecute offenders.
Urban Zoning: Ensure proper separation of religious, industrial, and residential areas.
Use of Alternative Power: Encourage the use of solar and inverter systems instead of generators.
Local Government Involvement: Establish community noise monitoring committees.
Conclusion: Time to Lower the Volume
Noise pollution is more than a mere inconvenience. It is a slow poison, affecting our health, peace of mind, and quality of life. If left unchecked, it will only get worse as urbanisation increases and cities become more crowded.
As students and future media professionals, our voices matter. By writing this article, we hope to draw attention to an issue that is often overlooked but deeply damaging. Everyone deserves a chance to rest, think, and live in peace — free from the endless noise that has become too familiar.
Let’s turn down the volume and reclaim our right to silence.
