Authorities in Nigeria's financial capital Lagos have shut down churches across the city after a glut of complaints over noisy worship sessions.
The Lagos state government has shut down no fewer than 22 churches for causing noise pollution in different areas. This was brought about by several complaints from residents.
This was revealed by the Environmental Protection Department in the state through a statement by the head of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Adebola Sabi on Wednesday, 26th of August following dozens of calls.
Neighbours of one church named Jesus Our Lord Divine Catholic Prayer Ministry said they were constantly disturbed by a congregation of mainly pregnant women, young mothers and their children.
Sabi said, "On my phone alone, I get 20 SMS on a daily basis,"
"In the next five years, if there is no stringent policy on the siting of religious houses, there will be problem."
Constant noise from the the thumping beats of loud music, the beep of car horns and the noise of generator engines is the soundtrack to Lagos life and is seen by many as part of its charm.
But residents are complaining in unprecedented numbers that they can barely hear themselves think among the churches and mosques where giant loudspeakers pump out religious messages and music.
Officials receive around 50 telephone calls and 20 text messages a day complaining about noise, mostly from churches, the New Telegraph said.
"With the enforcement today, we would have sealed about 55 premises because the last enforcement we carried out, we shut 33 premises," Shabi told reporters.
"I gave approval for closure of 22 premises today, making 55."
Here is a list of some of the churches closed down in Lagos:
"In the next five years, if there is no stringent policy on the siting of religious houses, there will be problem."
Constant noise from the the thumping beats of loud music, the beep of car horns and the noise of generator engines is the soundtrack to Lagos life and is seen by many as part of its charm.
But residents are complaining in unprecedented numbers that they can barely hear themselves think among the churches and mosques where giant loudspeakers pump out religious messages and music.
Officials receive around 50 telephone calls and 20 text messages a day complaining about noise, mostly from churches, the New Telegraph said.
"With the enforcement today, we would have sealed about 55 premises because the last enforcement we carried out, we shut 33 premises," Shabi told reporters.
"I gave approval for closure of 22 premises today, making 55."
Here is a list of some of the churches closed down in Lagos:
1. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
2. God Royal Sanctuary, Lagos Province 3, Zone 15, Area 48 and another on its opposite located on Ayilara Streets, Surulere.
3. Tower of Praise Ministries International Praise Centre.
4. Jesus Our Lord Divine Catholic Prayer Ministry located at 11 Anuoluwapo Street, Ilasamaja.
5. Shakara Bar - a Strip Club/Hotel in Ogba, Thomas Salako Street.
6. Dura Products Industries Nigeria Limited on Sanni Olabode Street, Abule Egba.
7. Mopson Pharmaceuticals Industry, located on Osolo Way.
2. God Royal Sanctuary, Lagos Province 3, Zone 15, Area 48 and another on its opposite located on Ayilara Streets, Surulere.
3. Tower of Praise Ministries International Praise Centre.
4. Jesus Our Lord Divine Catholic Prayer Ministry located at 11 Anuoluwapo Street, Ilasamaja.
5. Shakara Bar - a Strip Club/Hotel in Ogba, Thomas Salako Street.
6. Dura Products Industries Nigeria Limited on Sanni Olabode Street, Abule Egba.
7. Mopson Pharmaceuticals Industry, located on Osolo Way.
