A new proposal from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to charge businesses and residents for noise pollution from power generators has ignited a firestorm of criticism in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.
The policy, announced via notices displayed at business premises, aims to regulate environmental noise but has been met with widespread outrage. Critics argue it unfairly penalizes citizens for relying on generators—a necessity due to the government's own failure to provide stable electricity.
A City Powered by Generators
In Abuja, as in much of Nigeria, chronic power outages make private generators indispensable for daily life and commerce. From small shops to large offices, the hum of generators is a constant backdrop, powering everything from lights and computers to medical equipment and refrigeration. The proposed fee would add a new operating cost to this already expensive alternative to the grid.
"An Insult to Injury," Say Business Owners
The reaction from the business community has been swift and fierce. Many owners see the levy as a direct tax on survival. "It is an insult to injury," said a restaurant manager in Zone 11. "We already pay exorbitant prices for diesel to keep our doors open because there is no light. Now they want to charge us for the noise of trying to stay in business?"
Critics contend the policy highlights a profound disconnect. "The government should focus on fixing the power supply, not taxing people for coping with its absence," argued a local entrepreneur. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the capital's economy, warn the additional cost could be the final straw, forcing layoffs or closures.
Unanswered Questions and Mounting Pressure
Key details of the policy remain unclear, including the exact fee structure, how noise levels will be measured, and when enforcement will begin. The FCTA has not yet issued a comprehensive public statement, leaving a vacuum filled with anxiety and speculation.
As the notice circulates, pressure is mounting on officials to justify the move. Business associations are preparing formal responses, and the policy is fast becoming a flashpoint in the larger national debate over Nigeria's crippling electricity crisis and the economic burdens it imposes on its citizens.
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