Gov Soludo Bans Market Preachers, imposes ₦500,000 fine

In a bid to tackle noise pollution in public spaces, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has announced a stern warning to roadside preachers using loudspeakers in markets and other public areas. He has stated that anyone found violating the state’s noise pollution regulations will be fined ₦500,000.

The governor’s strong statement came after a viral video surfaced on social media on Saturday, showing him confronting an unidentified preacher at a market, believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha. In the video, Soludo is seen warning the preacher to stop disturbing traders with his loud sermon.

Addressing a crowd of traders at the market, the governor advised the preacher to either conduct his preaching in a church or rent an open field for those interested in attending. “If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message. He said

“This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law. You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a church. Otherwise, you will be charged for using this space. You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this.”

Soludo further explained that the government had banned the use of loudspeakers in markets due to the disruption they cause. “This is a marketplace, not a church. You are violating the law by taking over a public space and turning it into a place of worship,” he added. The governor made it clear that those who continue to disrupt public spaces with loud preaching would be held accountable, with a ₦500,000 fine imposed for breaking the noise pollution regulations.

Soludo took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s crackdown on fake pastors and prophets in the state, vowing to take strong action against anyone who abuses public spaces for personal gain.

The new directive is seen as part of a broader effort by Soludo’s government to improve public order and reduce environmental noise pollution, which has been a growing concern in urban areas across the state.