Education
LASEPA backs film project raising awareness on Lagos noise pollution – EnviroNews
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The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has endorsed and provided financial support for an upcoming short film, Acoustic Smog, which seeks to highlight the psychological and health consequences of noise pollution in Lagos.
The film, produced by Lagos-based independent production company Lorito House, and directed by Zamani Istifanus, explores how persistent exposure to urban noise can affect mental health, emotional well-being and productivity.
The psychological drama follows Olisa, a young professional whose daily commute and chaotic living environment in Lagos gradually push him towards a psychological breaking point.
The project aligns with LASEPA’s ongoing Noiseless Lagos campaign, which seeks to tackle noise pollution, raise public awareness about its health implications and promote a healthier environment for residents.
The agency’s endorsement and financial support followed a meeting between the filmmaker and LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, alongside the Deputy Director of the agency’s Noise Control Unit, Mrs. Natufe Y. Abosede.
During the meeting, Istifanus presented the vision behind the film and formally received the agency’s Letter of Support.
Speaking on the partnership, Istifanus described noise pollution as a growing environmental and public health concern that often receives insufficient attention.
“Noise pollution is not just an annoyance; it is an invisible violence that affects the mental health and productivity of millions of young Nigerians,” he said.
He explained that the film would use storytelling to humanise the experiences of people living in persistently noisy urban environments while amplifying ongoing efforts to address the problem.
“With Dr. Ajayi, Mrs. Abosede, and the entire LASEPA team’s support, we are using cinema to humanise this crisis and amplify their advocacy. We are incredibly honoured by their endorsement and look forward to bringing this story to life,” he added.
Noise pollution remains a significant environmental challenge in rapidly urbanising cities such as Lagos, where road traffic, commercial activities, construction work, generators, religious centres and entertainment establishments contribute to elevated noise levels.
Beyond causing discomfort, prolonged exposure to excessive environmental noise has been associated with sleep disturbance, stress, impaired concentration and other adverse health effects.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified environmental noise as an important public health concern, particularly in urban areas, where sustained exposure can affect physical and psychological well-being.
In Nigeria, the challenge is particularly pronounced in densely populated communities where residential, commercial and industrial activities frequently overlap.
LASEPA’s Noiseless Lagos campaign is part of broader efforts to encourage compliance with environmental noise regulations, promote responsible behaviour and strengthen public understanding of the consequences of excessive noise.
Through the partnership, Acoustic Smog seeks to complement these interventions by using film as a medium for environmental education and public engagement.
Production of the short film is scheduled to commence in November 2026 in Lagos.
Upon completion, the production team plans to submit the film to local and international film festivals, providing an opportunity to bring the conversation about urban noise pollution to wider audiences.
The collaboration also highlights the potential of partnerships between environmental agencies and the creative industry in communicating environmental challenges and encouraging behavioural change.
