Edo State Government has sealed several lounges, clubs, and outdoor bars in Benin City over violations including lack of commercial operation permits, persistent noise pollution, and non-compliance with building regulations. Many of the affected establishments were discovered to be converted residential apartments operating illegally.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, said the clampdown followed numerous petitions and complaints from residents, particularly within the Government Reserved Area (GRA).
“We have received a series of petitions concerning lounges and clubs, particularly around the GRA. Some houses originally designated for residential purposes have been converted into clubs and lounges, leading to loud music, improper parking, and, in many cases, a lack of appropriate permits for such commercial operations,” he stated.
He explained that the affected areas are strictly zoned for residential use and that notices had earlier been served on the operators to present their development permits for verification. Those who failed to comply had their premises sealed.
Hon. Igabali decried the persistent noise and the undesirable elements that these establishments attract, reiterating that many lack the necessary building approvals and operational documentation. He warned that penalties would be imposed before any of the sealed facilities could be considered for reopening, stressing that a 14-day compliance notice had already been given.
On his part, Town Planner Nosa Asemota, Director of Planning Permits, emphasized that the Agency’s action aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritizes security and health. He noted that curbing noise pollution is essential to maintaining public health and urban order, adding that the exercise was not targeted at revenue generation but at restoring sanity in the city.
In another development, the Agency also sealed an ongoing construction site at Etete for building too close to high-tension power lines and violating building codes. The Managing Director confirmed that a section of the structure would be demolished before any discussion about approval could begin.