Evaluation of Environmental Noise Pollution in Abuja, the Capital City of Nigeria

Abuja the capital city of Nigeria has experienced rapid development and high influx of people with the implication of increased generation of noise. Hence the need to evaluate the noise pollution level of the city. Measurement of equivalent noise level was carried out in 35 locations around the city using a CR811C integrated sound level meter. Result showed that the day time mean equivalent noise level of the city ranged from 73.2 dBA to 83.6 dBA. Result also showed that the night time mean equivalent noise level of the city is of good quality as it ranged from 44 dBA to 56.8 dBA. The night time therefore serves as a recovery time for those who are exposed to high noise value during the day. Result further showed that the Central Business District of Abuja has the highest day-night noise value of 82 dBA while the lowest day-night noise level was obtained from Asokoro district with a value of 71 dBA. The average day-night noise level of the City was obtained as 76.4 dBA. It is recommended that those whose daily activities confine them to areas with unhealthy noise level should make sure they have at least 10 hours of recovery time in areas where the sound level is less than 65 dBA. The government is called upon to improve the traffic situation in the city so as to prevent traffic built up in areas with high noise values.