This paper presents the results obtained from environmental noise measurements at selected locations in
Ilorin metropolis. Forty two different locations throughout Ilorin were selected to establish background noise
level, peak noise level and dominant noise sources at these locations. It was observed that, the A-weighted
sound levels (LAeq
), background noise level (L90) and peak noise level (L10) measured vary with the location
and period of the day. Due to traffic characteristics, especially traffic volume, vehicle horns, vehicle-mounted
loudspeakers, unmuffled vehicles, record players and hawking, there is high LAeq
, L90 and L10 atroad junctions
(77 dBA, 66 dBA, 77 dBA), passengers loading parks (76 dBA, 66 dBA, 77 dBA ) and commercial centres
(73 dBA, 64 dBA, 74 dBA). Average daily noise exposure level (LAeq
) in Ilorin metropolis varies from 46 dBA
to 86 dBA. 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 players and hawking with loud
speakers. Based on the recommendations of Committee on Environmental andOccupational Health (CEOH),
World Health Organization (WHO) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), only 6 locations out of 42
are under normally acceptable situation while the noise levels of other areas are not acceptable. Based on
the noise descriptors (LAeq
, LD
, LN
, LDN, TNI and LNP), noise map is developed to identify locations with high
noise exposure. The noise map developed reveals high noise exposure at the nucleus of the metropolis
where commercial activities, high traffic volume and clustered buildings with high population exist. The
result of this study is useful as reference and guideline for future regulations on noise limit to be implemented
for urban areas in Nigeria.