Lagos Seals Surulere Church Over Late-Night Noise Pollution

​SURULERE, LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on environmental infractions by sealing off The All Christians Gathering Ministry, located at No. 1, Ishola Street, off Clegg, Surulere. The swift enforcement action follows persistent complaints from distressed residents over extreme late-night noise pollution.

​Social Media Outcry Triggers Intervention

​The closure came on the heels of a public distress appeal made on X (formerly Twitter) by a resident, @BigDavery, in the early hours of Saturday morning. The resident shared videos documenting the intense noise level echoing through the neighborhood at 1:31 a.m.

​According to reports, the unending noise disturbance had taken a heavy toll on neighborhood sleep cycles, particularly affecting vulnerable residents, including a household with an infant under one year old. The complainant also noted that previous informal efforts to address the issue yielded no results, with a church member allegedly reacting with hostility.

​Government Vows Zero Tolerance

​Prompted by the viral post, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, immediately ordered an investigation. State environmental officials verified that the church’s activities constituted a severe public nuisance and breached state laws, leading to its immediate shutdown.

​“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. Our enforcement actions will remain firm and decisive. No individual or institution is above the law.” — Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources

​Authorities confirmed that the premises will remain sealed indefinitely pending full compliance with regulatory standards.

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​Upholding Urban Environmental Standards

​Under Lagos State environmental guidelines, permissible noise thresholds are legally set at:

• ​Daytime Limit: 55 decibels
• ​Nighttime Limit: 45 decibels

​The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has aggressively targeted noise polluters across the metropolis, sealing multiple religious houses, lounges, and commercial centers in recent months. State officials continue to emphasize that while freedom of worship is guaranteed, it must be practiced responsibly without trampling on the right of neighbors to peace and rest.