This paper presents the results obtained from environmental noise
measurement at selected locations in Ilorin metropolis. Forty-two (42) different
locations throughout Ilorin were selected to establish background noise level
and dominant noise sources at these selected locations. Noise level
measurements and analysis for the locations were based on the noise descriptors
LAeq, L1, L10, L50, L90, and LD.The results from comparative study indicated that
the equivalent noise level „LAeq… and peak noise level „L1… have the highest and
lowest values at road junctions/busy roads (86 dBA, 88 dBA) and low density
residential areas (46 dBA, 63 dBA) respectively. The background noise level
„L90… has the highest and lowest values at passengers loading parks „73 dBA…
and low density residential areas „34 dBA… respectively. The result of this study
shows that the major source of noise in Ilorin metropolis can be attributed to
traffic noise. Other intrusive noise sources include noise from record player,
electric generators, and hawking with loud speakers. Based on the
recommendations of CEOH, WHO and HUD, only 6 locations out of 42 are
under normally acceptable situation while the noise levels of other areas are not
acceptable. Noting the noise emission standards, technical control measures,
planning and promoting the citizens awareness about the high noise risk may
help relieve noise problem in the metropolis. These data are useful as reference
and guideline for future regulations on noise limit to be implemented for urban
areas in Nigeria. © 2010 Institute of Noise Control Engineering.