According to the Edo State administration, any churches, mosques, event venues, nightclubs, lounges, or other public spaces that do not adhere to the state’s noise pollution regulations, including the installation of soundproof materials, will be sealed by March 31.

Officials from the Edo State Ministries of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development and Environment and Sustainability have formed a joint task force and have been notifying the affected facilities that they have been given a 90-day grace period in which to install soundproofing in their buildings.

The action follows an October 31, 2022, stakeholder meeting with government representatives and owners of businesses that need noise control.

The notice titled, “Soundproofing Requirement for Your Property” has been served to stakeholders and especially owners of hotels, lounges, clubs, bars, churches, mosques, and event centres, among others across Benin.

In a statement, Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, said the notices convey the agreement reached by the stakeholders on a March 31, 2023 deadline for compliance.

She noted, “The facility owners have a 90-day grace period.

“The notices are also accompanied by a leaflet to guide on soundproofing specifications and materials, as well as the role of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability in providing further guidance on soundproofing requirements.

“The move to bring such facilities within acceptable noise level is encoded in the National Environmental (Noise Standard and Control) Regulation Law F.R.N Part V General 13-1308 17 – (2) and the extant Town Planning Laws. 

“It also became necessary after MPPHURD started receiving incessant complaints and petitions from the general public.”