The Lagos State Government has sealed a church in the Surulere area of the state following complaints of persistent noise pollution that allegedly disturbed residents, particularly during late-night worship sessions.
The affected church, The All Christians Gathering Ministry, located at No. 1, Ishola Street, off Clegg, Surulere, was shut down on Sunday after environmental officials investigated the complaints and established that the facility violated environmental regulations.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, saying the enforcement action followed a complaint by an X user identified as DAVERY.
Wahab said the investigation confirmed that the church constituted an environmental nuisance to people living in the neighbourhood, adding that the facility would remain closed until further notice.
He said, “We will not tolerate environmental violations or any form of nuisance that disrupts the peace and well-being of residents. All religious institutions, businesses and other establishments are required to comply strictly with environmental regulations.”
The development followed a public appeal by the complainant, who had taken to X to draw the commissioner’s attention to the disturbance.
In a post on Saturday, the resident complained that he was unable to sleep because of the church’s activities, sharing videos showing the noise coming from the facility at about 1:31 am.
The incident comes amid the Lagos State Government’s continued enforcement of environmental regulations against establishments accused of generating excessive noise.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency stipulates that noise levels in residential areas must not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
Its guidelines also require religious centres and entertainment facilities to operate within enclosed and soundproof environments to minimise disturbances to neighbouring residents.
Wahab reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce the regulations without discrimination, warning that religious institutions, businesses and other establishments would face sanctions for violating environmental laws.
“Our enforcement actions will remain firm and decisive. No individual or institution is above the law,” he added.
