LAGOS: Authorities in Nigeria’s financial capital Lagos have shut down churches across the city after a glut of complaints over noisy worship.

The chaotic megacity’s environmental protection department said it had sealed off 22 premises on Wednesday after receiving dozens of calls a day, according to local newspaper reports.

Neighbors of one church said they were constantly disturbed by a congregation of mainly pregnant women, young mothers and their children.

“On my phone alone, I get 20 SMS on a daily basis,” said Adebola Shabi, head of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, according to the national daily New Telegraph.

“In the next five years, if there is no stringent policy on the siting of religious houses, there will be problem.”

Constant noise — from the the thumping beats of loud music, the beep of car horns and the noise of generator engines — is the soundtrack to Lagos life and is seen by many as part of its charm.

But residents are complaining in unprecedented numbers that they can barely hear themselves think among the churches and mosques where giant loudspeakers pump out religious messages and music.