By Patrick Idowu
Business owners in Abuja are protesting the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s demand for a N200,000 emission levy, calling it an unfair and exploitative policy.
The council issued notices citing environmental laws as the basis for the charge, which applies to emissions from generators, industrial equipment, and waste disposal.
“This is to notify you of the fee due to Abuja Municipal Area Council for emission levy in accordance with the law,” AMAC stated in its notice, referencing sections of the constitution and environmental regulations.
Entrepreneurs argue that the levy is unjust, given Nigeria’s unstable electricity supply, which forces them to rely on generators for daily operations.
Last year, AMAC introduced the levy at N100,000, with officials stating it was negotiable.
However, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for its suspension, saying it places an undue burden on businesses struggling to survive.
