Cubana Chief Priest’s Lagos eatery shut down for noise pollution
By Ezekiel David
Donald Fast Foods, a popular Lekki Phase 1 establishment owned by businessman Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been sealed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) due to persistent noise pollution.
The fast food restaurant, which doubles as a nightclub called De Angels Night Club, was closed on Sunday following multiple complaints from nearby homes over loud noises coming from it.
Despite receiving multiple warnings and abatement notices, the establishment continued to violate noise regulations, prompting LASEPA to take action to reduce noise levels in the predominantly residential neighbourhood.
“After several warnings and abatement notices, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency @LasepaOfficial sealed Donald’s Fast Food on Adebayo Doherty Street, Lekki 1 over noise pollution and other environmental infractions,” Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tokunbo Wahab posted on X, confirming the closure.
Wahab’s post also featured a video that a local had taken that Sunday at two in the morning, showing the loud music coming from the institution and the disturbance it caused to the neighbourhood.
The move is seen as part of measures by the Lagos State government’s to curb noise pollution, which is becoming an increasing nuisance in the city’s densely packed neighbourhoods. LASEPA has reached out to companies to follow the law in order to prevent similar closures.
The incident has also sparked discussions about land use planning in Lagos, particularly the compatibility of commercial activities with residential areas. The establishment’s dual function as a fast food outlet and a nightclub in a primarily residential zone highlights the challenges of balancing business interests with residents’ quality of life.
The case has drawn attention to calls for strict zoning and strong enforcement to ensure that business establishments are located in approved zones, while minimising noise impacts on residential areas.
Residential areas are only allowed to have noise levels of up to 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night, according to National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) recommendations that were adopted by LASEPA. Commercial zones are only allowed to be 70 decibels throughout the day, whereas industrial sectors are limited to 90 dB.
Religious houses, clubhouses, and entertainment venues are required by law to operate in enclosed, soundproof environments with regulated speaker use to minimise disturbance to neighbouring residents. These venues are expected to limit the number of internally placed speakers, ensuring noise remains contained within their premises.
(Source: Nairametrics)
