BALANCING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: A LEGAL ANALYSIS OF NOISE POLLUTION FROM PLACES OF WORSHIP IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper extensively examined noise pollution from places of worship: A legal analysis of Nigerian laws and regulations. The paper adopted the doctrinal review method to achieve this aim. Different religious bodies, that is, Christian, Muslim, Traditional worshippers are contributing directly and indirectly to environmental pollution through their activities at their worship centres without putting in mind and giving a hoot about how their neighbours feel around them. Generally statutory and policy provisions regulating noise pollution in Nigeria have lofty aims and are quite salutary, there is however the need for proper implementation. The threat posed by noise pollution to human health and the environment has not received the attention it needs. It is also necessary for the government to revise and restructure environmental legislations. The public in general, as well as the enforcement of the Statutory Acts on noise pollution, require this reform. In conclusion, the paper recommends the need for the effective implementation of the laws regulating noise pollution in Nigeria and advocates for the strict adherence to the enforcement of these laws and punishments rather than shutting down the religious worship centres which seem not enough to curb the menace.