The Enugu State Government has given all churches and mosques in the state 90 days to remove their outdoor loudspeakers and install soundproof measures in their places of worship.

The decision was taken on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting with Christian and Muslim leaders of the state and the state government on the implementation of the Enugu State Anti-Noise Policy.

The community meeting, organized by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, was attended by church leaders, media persons, government officials and Muslim leaders of the state.

Following the meeting, the Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Uche Anya, issued an ultimatum.

He said: “From now until the next three months, all churches and mosques must remove their outdoor loudspeakers and install soundproof (acoustic) measures in their places of worship.”

As part of the urban renewal policy in 2023, the government had ordered all nightclubs, beer bars and other entertainment providers in the capital to reduce their noise pollution, especially in residential areas.

Addressing the participants, Anya said that noise pollution has become the biggest challenge facing the state.

He complained that his office had received over 1,000 petitions regarding noise pollution from various churches, mosques and shops in the vicinity of their homes.

“I have been in this position for a year and in the last year we have received over a thousand petitions complaining about noise pollution.

“Noise pollution from Independence Layout to GRA, from GRA to Trans-Ekulu, from Trans-Ekulu to Agbani Road, from Agbani Road to Abakpa Nike, from Abakpa Nike to Ugwuaji, from Ugwuaji to the mayor – the people are suffering,” he explained.