‘Detty December’ is not excuse for noise pollution, Lagos govt warns

The Lagos State Government has warned that “Detty December” will not be an excuse to make noise and disturb the peace.

Detty December is a festive Nigerian phenomenon that takes place during the holiday season, from mid-December through the New Year . The term “detty” is a corruption of the word “dirty,” implying festivities and celebration with no hesitation during the Christmas and holiday season.

It’s a time when many Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, return home to celebrate with family and friends.

Despite the festive mood, the Lagos State Government has made it clear that noise pollution will not be overlooked and tolerated, even during the festive season.

Tunde Ajayi, the Lagos State General Manager at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, made this clear in a tweet on Saturday that “Detty December” will not be an excuse to make the environment unlivable for those who want to rest.

Ajayi’s comments were in response to an X (formerly Twitter) user, @boujwazee, who suggested that the government should take it easy during the festive period because many people are coming to Lagos to experience the “Dirty Dec.”.

The debate followed the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ recent closure of a venue, Ile Iyan on Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, for noise pollution and other environmental infractions.

Tokunbo Wahab, the ministry commissioner, confirmed the action via a tweet on Friday, stating, “Based on the complaint from residents and neighbours and the seeming recalcitrant behaviour of the operators, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources through LASEPA sealed off Ile Iyan on Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, over noise pollution and other environmental infractions.”

In his response, @boujwazee drew comparisons with practices in other countries, stating, “I was in Croatia recently and I can tell you they block the road where the clubs are at night. All we need is LASTMA.”

However, Ajayi noted that “this is Lagos,” adding that “Detty December won’t be an excuse to make the environment unlivable for those who want to rest.”

Wahab, who also retweeted Ajayi’s tweet, noted that “the state shall not succumb to any form of anyhowness and lawlessness no matter who is involved.”