Edo Govt to shut Churches, Mosques, Event Centres, Others without Soundproof

The Edo State Government has announced that churches, mosques, banquet halls, nightclubs, lounges, and other public areas that do not adhere to the state’s noise pollution regulations, which include installing soundproof materials, will be sealed by March 31.

Notices informing the affected facilities that they have been given a grace period of ninety days to install soundproof materials in their facilities have been served by a joint task force made up of representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability and the Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development (MPPHURD).

This action follows a stakeholder meeting that took place on October 31, 2022, between government representatives and owners of establishments that must comply with noise control regulations.

Stakeholders, particularly owners of hotels, lounges, clubs, bars, churches, mosques, and event centers, among other establishments in Benin City, have received notices headed “Soundproofing Requirement for Your Property.”

Isoken Omo, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, stated in a statement that the notices reflect the stakeholders’ agreement to a deadline of March 31, 2023, for compliance.

She noted: “The owners of the facility are given a grace period of 90 days. Along with the notices, there is a leaflet that provides information on soundproofing requirements, materials, and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability’s role in offering additional guidance.

“The National Environmental (Noise Standard and Control) Regulation Law F.R.N Part V General 13-1308 17 – (2) and the current Town Planning Laws contain the directive to bring such facilities within an acceptable noise level. The public’s persistent complaints and petitions to MPPHURD made it necessary”.