NESREA threatens to prosecute churches, mosques over noise pollution

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said it has the power to prosecute for noise pollution, churches and mosques that use loud speakers without control while worshipping.

Prof. Aliyu Jauro, Director-General of NESREA made this known while speaking with NAN on Sunday in Abuja.

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According to Jauro, noise is one of the serious environmental pollutants, adding that a noisy place affects plants, animals and humans.

“Once they are subjected to the noise, it leads to a lot of health problems ranging from hypertension and other diseases. So, as an agency, we have a specific regulation on noise control.

“What we do as an agency is that we go out to ensure compliance. There is a lot of activities people engage in that affect the environment and individuals. We receive complaints from a lot of people.

“For instance, places like churches, mosques, even industries are causing a lot of noise, which we receive complaints from people, so we do visit such areas, sensitising them about the problem people are facing.

“We also advise them on how they can go about their activities without polluting the environment by the noise. We carry out enforcement when the need arises,” he said.

Jauro also called for effective sensitisation by relevant environmental stakeholders to curb environmental pollution in Nigeria.

He said that the sensitisation would help the public to understand the havoc pollution was causing both to humans, animals, plants, as well as the environment.

“Sensitisation is the key, people don’t even know the impact of this noise pollution so we always try to sensitise the public,” Jauro said.

He also called on Nigerians to ensure they complied with environmental rules and regulations, adding that there should be a noise limit in worship centres, industries, and social gatherings, among others.

Jauro said the agency had the mandate and power to prosecute any organisation or individual who refuses to abide by environmental rules and regulations. (NAN)