Investigation of Noise Pollution Levels Around Major Motor Parks in Lagos State

Noise pollution is an increasingly recognized environmental health hazard in rapidly urbanizing Nigerian cities. This study investigates the noise pollution levels around three major motor parks in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, during peak and off-peak traffic hours. Sound level measurements were conducted using a calibrated digital sound level meter over a four-week period, with readings taken at intervals of fifteen minutes across multiple measurement stations within and around each motor park. Parameters recorded include equivalent continuous sound levels, peak sound pressure levels, and day-night average sound levels. Results are evaluated against the Federal Environmental Protection Agency permissible noise limits and World Health Organization community noise guidelines. Findings indicate that all three motor parks exceed recommended thresholds during peak hours, with Apapa and Oshodi parks registering mean equivalent levels above 85 dB(A), levels associated with long-term hearing damage and cardiovascular stress. The study investigates the contribution of generator sets, vehicular engines, and commercial activity to total noise loading. Spatial decay analysis shows insufficient attenuation as distance from noise sources increases, due in part to reflective building surfaces. The research provides actionable recommendations for noise barriers, operational scheduling reforms, and public health awareness campaigns. Results serve as a baseline dataset for urban noise management policy in Lagos. Keywords: noise pollution, sound level meter, Lagos motor parks, urban acoustics, environmental health