Lagos,Nigeria,Africa's Biggest City Shuts Churches, Mosques To Fight Noise Pollution

 

Lagos,Nigeria,Africa's largest city is closing dozens of mosques, churches and nightclubs in a bid to reduce noise for its 20 million residents long used to lusty hymn-singing, honking horns and boom boxes that rattle the foundations of homes.

The state government of Lagos is on a mission to make the seaside city free of noise pollution by 2020.

"It's a great menace," said Adebola Shabi, general manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency. "Studies have shown that noise levels affect the amount of violence and affect our health."

The agency has shut down more than 70 churches and 20 mosques this year as well as a dozen pubs, hotels and clubs, he said.

Authorities act on complaints from neighbors, first gathering stakeholders to discuss noise limits. If the din continues, the establishment is closed