The Lagos State government led by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has reportedly closed down 22 churches across the state due to the excessive noise that emanated from them during worship.
According to AFP, the decision became paramount following several complaints from some disturbed persons.
It was gathered that the Environmental Protection Department, took the step on Wednesday, August 26, 2015.
Neighbours of one church named ‘Jesus Our Lord Divine Catholic Prayer Ministry’ complained that they were constantly disturbed by a congregation which comprised mostly pregnant women, young mothers and their children.
Speaking with journalists, the head of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Adebola Shabi, 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.
“With the enforcement today, we would have sealed about 55 premises because the last enforcement we carried out, we shut 33 premises.
“I gave approval for closure of 22 premises today, making 55.”
It is a well known fact that Lagos State is a beehive of activities and as such, noise becomes inevitable, but some of the residents are no longer at ease with the constant noise.
Shabi said the churches would be allowed to reopen after paying fines starting at 50,000 naira ($250, 225 euros).
