Bakers, commercial banks, and other businesses in Abuja, are to start paying N100,000 permit for using generator and other manufacturing equipment.

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), said the charge, which it tagged ‘gaseous emission permit’ will be paid by business operators within the Federal Capital Territory.

That is, businesses using generator, heavy-duty, drilling, construction and manufacturing equipment are required to obtain the permit.

AMAC is the local government responsible for administration of Abuja city.

The state regulator says it is backed by the constitution to regulate under the function of the Local Government Authority and Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act.

In a statement, AMAC said;

“The management of Abuja Municipal Area Council Environment Services Department (ESD) Bodies, wishes to notify you of levy/fees due to Abuja Area Council for Gaseous Emission Permit Limit.”

The new regulation focus on businesses using generator, heavy-duty, drilling, construction and manufacturing equipment that emit hazardous gas into air, water and land during operation.

“This is in line with the provision of Section (2C) of the fourth schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended under the function of the Local Government Authority and Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act (FEPA) part (iii) section 25 “which establish the Local Council Authority to regulate, enforce and collection of levies for the interest of public health importance (welfare) section (18), (20), (21), (26) and 27 and other relevant laws of National Environmental Health Practice Regulation 2016 which confers on the council the power to regulate, inspect, control and collection of levies/fees”