Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Imposes N88,000 Fine on Generator Users for Environmental Violations
September 4, 2024
By Okafor Joseph Afam
In a recent move that has sparked widespread concern, the administration of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State has imposed a fine of N88,000 on residents and businesses utilizing generators. The fines are reportedly for violating the state’s environmental laws due to the carbon emissions produced by these alternative power sources.
The decision was communicated through a “Contravention Notice” issued by the State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The notice, dated August 28, 2024, was served to business owners and residents, explicitly stating that reliance on power sources other than the national grid contravenes multiple sections of the state’s environmental legislation. The notice cited Sections 124, 125, 126, 127, and 128 as being particularly relevant to the infractions.
“You are hereby notified of your contravention of the law, particularly Sections 124, 125, 126, 127, and 128, by your use of alternative power supply (Lutec) in your facility, which contributes to carbon emissions,” the notice read.
Affected individuals and businesses were instructed to pay the N88,000 fine within seven days into a designated FCMB account. The account, belonging to Paskay Global Ventures, was specifically mentioned in the notice. Failure to comply with the payment within the stipulated time would result in legal prosecution.
This development comes on the heels of another controversial decision by the Mbah administration, which imposed mandatory educational taxes on private schools in the state. According to reports, the governor has mandated that private schools pay between N1 million to N5 million within three weeks of the new academic year, which is set to begin on September 9, 2024.
The educational taxes have been categorized, with private primary schools required to pay N1 million, while schools offering both primary and secondary education are mandated to pay N5 million. Sources indicate that this is a significant departure from the previous tax regime, where private schools were taxed per student at a rate of N300.
The sudden imposition of these fees has left many school administrators in a difficult position, as they struggle to raise the necessary funds. Some school heads have reportedly begun informing parents of the new taxes via social media channels, raising concerns about the impact on the cost of education in the state.
Governor Mbah’s administration has defended these measures as necessary steps to address environmental concerns and boost the state’s revenue. However, critics argue that these policies place an undue burden on residents and businesses, particularly in a state where reliable electricity supply from the national grid remains inconsistent.
