The Abia State House of Assembly has initiated legislative measures to curb rising noise pollution following a surge in public health complaints from residents. During a plenary session on Tuesday, lawmakers deliberated on a motion specifically aimed at regulating the use of loud outdoor speakers in residential and semi-urban communities.
The motion, H.A.M. 49, was sponsored by Hon. Ucheonye Stephen Akachukwu, the member representing the Aba Central State Constituency.
Key Provisions of the Motion
The Assembly has called for the immediate enforcement of existing environmental laws through the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA). The primary targets of the regulation include:
- Decibel Limits: Residential noise levels must not exceed 55 decibels (dB) during the daytime (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.).
- Target Sectors: The regulations specifically address excessive noise from worship centers, hotels, and hospitality businesses operating within residential zones.
- Soundproofing Requirements: The House urged the state government to launch awareness campaigns encouraging organizations to adopt soundproof systems and limit the use of high-volume outdoor speakers.
- Designated Zones: Lawmakers recommended the creation of specific zones for open-air loudspeaker activities to balance the “right to worship” with the residents’ “right to peace and a healthy environment.”
Enforcement through Local Governments
Responding to the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, clarified that while relevant laws already exist, the primary challenge is their implementation.
To ensure compliance at the grassroots level, the Assembly resolved to engage the Mayors (Local Government Chairmen) across the 17 LGAs. This decentralized approach is intended to bring enforcement closer to the affected neighborhoods, particularly in densely populated areas like Aba and Umuahia.
Other Legislative Developments
Beyond the noise pollution motion, the session covered several critical state issues:
- Security Crisis: Hon. Lewis Obianyi alerted the House to the tragic killing of six young girls in Akrika Ukwu (Ukwa East) on March 23, 2026. The Assembly has mandated security agencies to investigate the suspected ritual-related murders.
- Political Realignment: The Speaker officially announced the defection of Uzodike Aaron from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Health Probe: Following reports of medical negligence at a state facility, the House Committee on Health has been tasked with inviting relevant stakeholders for a formal investigation within two weeks.
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