Environmental Noise Pollution and Its Health Effects on Residents Near Transport Hubs in Ibadan, Oyo State

Environmental noise from transport activities is an increasingly recognised public health hazard in rapidly urbanising Nigerian cities, causing auditory and non-auditory health effects including hearing impairment, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular stress. This study assesses environmental noise pollution levels and their self-reported health effects on residents living within 500 metres of three major transport hubs in Ibadan, Oyo State. A cross-sectional observational design is applied, with sound level measurements taken at multiple sites using a calibrated sound level meter during peak and off-peak transport hours. Health effects are assessed through structured questionnaires administered to 310 residents randomly selected from affected neighbourhoods, capturing hearing difficulty, sleep quality, cognitive concentration, stress levels, and annoyance responses. Data are analysed using SPSS, with Pearson correlation relating average noise levels to health outcome scores. Available WHO and national environmental standards classify urban residential areas as noise-polluted above 55 decibels, yet studies in Nigerian transport corridor communities regularly document ambient levels exceeding 75 decibels during peak hours. The Sound Power Level Assessment framework and the WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region provide the normative reference. Findings will support Oyo State's Environmental Protection Agency in setting and enforcing urban noise regulation and community buffer planning. Keywords: noise pollution, transport hubs, health effects, environmental health, Ibadan.