The Lagos State Government has shut down several establishments, including churches, hotels, and entertainment venues, over violations of noise pollution regulations and other environmental infractions that pose significant risks to public health and safety.

The affected locations include Shomolu, Oniru Victoria Island, Jakande-Lekki, Badore Ajah, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo, Lekki II, Ogombo, and Lekki Phase 1, among others.

The enforcement action was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), as disclosed on the agency’s X account on Monday.

These businesses, including churches, hotels, lounges, and restaurants, were found to be contributing to excessive noise levels and engaging in other practices harmful to the environment, leading to swift intervention by LASEPA.

“The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) intensified its enforcement operations by sealing off several establishments across various locations in the State.  

“The action was taken in response to persistent noise pollution and other environmental infractions that posed significant risks to public health and safety. 

“The affected areas included; Shomolu, Oniru Victoria Island, Jakande-Lekki, Badore Ajah, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo, and Lekki II,Ogombo, Lekki Phase 1 among others,” the statement read in part.

The statement stressed that these enforcement actions reflect the agency’s commitment to maintaining a healthy environment, noting that noise pollution and other environmental violations disrupt the peace and health of communities.

The establishments sealed by LASEPA include:

• Celestial Church
• Zodiac Lounge
• Pixel Park Studio
• The Lord’s Chosen Church
• Sneakers Suites & Bar
• Wimpy Hotel
• SBL Hotels
• Handsworth Hotel
• Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church
• West Syde Exclusive Hotel & Suites
• Kobis Restaurant

The statement highlighted the agency’s commitment to a healthy environment, with General Manager Dr. Tunde Ajayi emphasizing that noise pollution and other environmental violations disrupt the peace and health of communities.

He stated that the action taken demonstrates LASEPA’s zero-tolerance policy and its firm resolve to strictly enforce environmental laws.

“Noise pollution and other environmental violations disrupt the peace and health of our communities. Today’s action demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy towards defaulters and our resolve to enforce environmental laws strictly,” he stated.

Ajayi further stressed the need for compliance with regulations and reaffirmed LASEPA’s dedication to a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.

The Lagos State government continues enforcing noise pollution and environmental regulations to reduce pollution, uphold standards, and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment for residents.

Recently, nine establishments across Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota-Isolo, including a bakery, hotel, church, and spa, were sealed for violating regulations. Additional closures occurred in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi.

Ile Iyan restaurant in Ikeja GRA was sealed for exceeding noise limits, while Donald Fast Food in Lekki Phase 1 reopened after committing to noise restrictions.

Carizma Hotel in Abule Egba was closed in October 2023 due to repeated noise complaints, and Silk Club and Quilox Club were sealed for excessive noise. These actions align with NESREA’s noise limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 at night in residential areas.

Establishments in Ikorodu, including bakeries, hotels, bars, and churches, were sealed, while markets like Mile 12, Ladipo, and Oyingbo reopened after meeting environmental standards.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that these actions are vital to public health and sustainability.

The Lagos State Government has sealed over 10 buildings in Victory Estate, Ejigbo, for non-compliance with state building codes and regulations.

The enforcement action was carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), as disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs, LASBCA.

The statement highlighted remarks by the General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, who revealed that most of the sealed buildings were constructed without building plan approvals from the state government, constituting a clear violation of Lagos State building codes.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed over 10 buildings in Victory Estate in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State for non-compliance with the State Building Codes and regulations.

“According to the General Manager, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, most of the building owners/developers in the Estate have no building Plan Approval from the State Government, which according to him, contravenes the State’s building Codes and regulations,” the statement read in part.

Oki explained that before the enforcement action, LASBCA had issued several contravention notices to the building owners and developers, urging them to comply with regulations, but the notices were ignored.

The statement further noted that Oki urged affected building owners and developers to seize the opportunity provided by the ongoing Lagos State Government’s Amnesty Programme to regularize their building documents.

Facilitated by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), the amnesty programme offers a chance to rectify documentation issues without facing immediate penalties.

The LASBCA General Manager emphasized that the amnesty programme will conclude on December 31, 2024, and warned that failure to comply within this timeframe could result in stricter enforcement measures, including sealing of properties and potential legal actions.

He reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining order in the built environment and its zero-tolerance policy for illegal construction activities.

“Bringing sanity to the Built Environment is paramount to the State Government and illegality will not be condoned as contraveners will be meant to face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrent to others,” Oki stated.

He cautioned that developers who violate regulations will face the full wrath of the law, serving as a deterrent to others contemplating similar violations.

Additionally, Oki reassured residents that the Lagos State Government remains dedicated to ensuring that all buildings comply with safety standards to prevent avoidable disasters.
He highlighted the importance of protecting lives and properties through rigorous monitoring, supervision, and adherence to the state’s building codes and regulations.

A 12-member delegation from Benin Republic’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) has visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on a study tour.

The delegation, led by Sacca Lafia, CENA president, included national commissioners, directors, and senior staff.

They were received on Monday by Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, alongside other commission members at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

The visit, according to Lafia, was aimed at learning from Nigeria’s electoral processes and best practices as Benin Republic prepares for its upcoming 2026 elections.

Speaking at the event, Yakubu highlighted the significance of the visit and the unique challenges CENA faces ahead of the polls.

“Early last month, we received a letter from CENA indicating its interest to undertake a study visit to INEC Nigeria as they prepare for what they described as their most complex election in 2026,” he said.

Yakubu explained that CENA will, for the first time, conduct three elections in three months. Legislative and local elections are scheduled for January 2026, with the presidential election to follow in April 2026.

He said INEC had prepared a detailed programme to address the delegation’s interests.