Policy Communication and Media Influence on Public Awareness, Perceptions, and Compliance with Noise Pollution Regulations in Lagos, Nigeria

Resumo

Lagos is the most populous metropolitan city in Nigeria, with various human and machine activities that generate noise. The city’s noise level reaches 80–95 dB in commercial areas despite the state’s noise pollution policies and efforts to enforce them. This study assessed the effectiveness of communicating noise reduction policies in the state by examining the level of public awareness of noise pollution through media coverage, public perceptions of noise pollution, the role of media in shaping public knowledge of government noise reduction policies, and the impact of media-driven campaigns on behavioural changes towards noise pollution mitigation. The study employed a survey method using purposive and voluntary response sampling techniques. With a sample size of 384, the questionnaire was distributed online via WhatsApp, and after four months of data collection, 306 responses were received. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28. The results indicate low exposure to noise pollution policies. Awareness of noise pollution policies in the state was moderate, and residents did not perceive the enforcement of these policies as effective. They agreed that they took measures to reduce noise pollution in their daily activities, although they believed the media did not influence them to do so. The study concludes that the government should collaborate with the media for greater exposure to, awareness of, and effective enforcement of noise pollution policies in Lagos State.