Lagos shuts down popular Lekki fast food outlet over noise pollution

The Lagos State Government has shut down Donald Fast Foods, located on Adebayo Doherty Street in Lekki Phase 1, due to ongoing noise pollution complaints from local residents.

The closure was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) after repeated grievances over loud music and disturbances late into the night.

Owned by businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, Donald Fast Foods doubles as De Angels Night Club, which amplified the disruption in the predominantly residential neighborhood.

Despite multiple warnings and abatement notices, LASEPA took decisive action on Sunday, September 15, 2024, to restore peace to the area.

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Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the closure on his X (formerly Twitter) account, sharing a resident’s video captured at 2 a.m., illustrating the excessive noise.

Wahab emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding environmental standards and protecting residents from noise pollution.

This incident underscores the broader issue of land-use planning in Lagos, particularly in areas like Lekki Phase 1, where balancing commercial activities and residents’ quality of life is increasingly challenging.

The dual-purpose fast food outlet and nightclub highlight the need for stricter zoning regulations and enforcement to ensure businesses operate within appropriate areas.

Lagos State has clear noise pollution regulations, adapted from the National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), which cap permissible noise levels at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night in residential areas.

Establishments like nightclubs and religious centers are expected to operate in soundproof environments to minimize disturbances to their surrounding communities.

The closure serves as a reminder for businesses to comply with environmental laws or face similar consequences.