Joel Ajayi
A fresh controversy has erupted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has accused authorities of regulatory overreach, multiple taxation, and questionable contracting in the administration of environmental health services within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
The group, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, described the situation as a “deepening institutional crisis” between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and AMAC, warning that it could have far-reaching implications for residents and businesses.
Addressing journalists, GICN President, Edward Omaga, alleged that what began as an administrative overlap has escalated into a full-blown legal dispute over jurisdiction and regulatory authority.
Omaga argued that under the 1999 Constitution, local governments such as AMAC are empowered to regulate environmental sanitation and collect related levies.
He, however, accused the FCTA—through its Public Health Department and in collaboration with a private firm, Nabuyar Environmental Consultants Nigeria Ltd—of imposing parallel compliance requirements on businesses.
According to him, the development has resulted in duplicate financial obligations for operators within the council area.
To illustrate the burden, Omaga cited the case of an affiliate organisation, Graylaw Practice Limited Partnership, which reportedly paid ₦50,000 to AMAC and obtained a certificate of fitness for 2025, only to receive an additional demand notice of ₦250,000 from the private consultant.
He described the demand as “regulatory oppression” and called for its immediate suspension.
The group also questioned the legitimacy of Nabuyar Environmental Consultants, alleging that records at the Corporate Affairs Commission indicate the company is inactive.
It further claimed that the individual representing the firm, Dr. Obinatu Remigius, is neither a director nor shareholder.
Omaga disclosed that the organisation has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Bureau of Public Procurement to verify whether due process was followed in awarding the consultancy contract.
He added that the dispute has already led to multiple prosecutions at Magistrate Courts in Abuja, which the group described as coercive and premature, given what it called unresolved jurisdictional ambiguities between AMAC and the FCTA.
The GICN also referenced a March 2026 court ruling, noting that it has further complicated claims of exclusive regulatory authority by the FCTA.
Calling for urgent intervention, the group appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to convene all relevant stakeholders to resolve the impasse. It also urged the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria to clearly define the agency responsible for environmental regulation within AMAC.
In addition, the organisation demanded the suspension of ongoing prosecutions and called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the activities of the private consultant.
Omaga warned that failure to address the issue could trigger protests, citing recent demonstrations by private school operators in Abuja over similar concerns.
He said the group was prepared to stage peaceful protests at key public institutions, including the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Environment, to demand accountability and transparency.
The organisation also cautioned against the use of laws such as the Cybercrimes Act to suppress dissent.
“As civil society actors, we will not be intimidated. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must ensure fairness, legality, and justice in governance,” Omaga said.
The dispute underscores growing tensions over regulatory authority in the FCT, raising concerns about its potential impact on business operations and public confidence in government institutions.
