Tinubu's Govt Introduces Generator Tax in Abuja, Critics Call it 'Unfair'

The introduction of a new policy requiring generator owners in Abuja to pay fees for noise pollution has sparked debate among residents and business owners. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced this move, citing concerns over the environmental impact of private power generation, particularly in commercial areas where public power supply is unreliable.

Many argue that generators are a necessity due to the city’s inconsistent electricity supply, and penalizing them for it feels unfair. Chinedu Okafor, a small business owner, said, "In Abuja, we rely on generators because there is no guarantee of stable power. Penalising us for that feels unfair". Others agree, stating that the policy places an additional financial burden on small businesses already struggling with high operating costs, rising taxes, and persistent electricity challenges.

Environmental advocates, however, emphasize that noise pollution is a valid concern, but any regulation must consider citizens' reliance on generators for daily operations. The FCTA maintains that the policy is necessary to enforce environmental standards and encourage a gradual transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

The policy appears to target individual generator users rather than providing a broader solution to the city’s electricity challenges. Details on how fees will be calculated or enforced have not yet been released, leaving residents anxious about possible penalties.

Some stakeholders have called on the government to explore alternative solutions, such as incentives for cleaner energy options, before fully implementing the tax. The FCTA explained that the new charge is backed by existing environmental and public health regulations, stressing that noise pollution poses serious risks to human health, including stress, hearing impairment, and reduced productivity.

Funds generated from the tax would be used to strengthen environmental monitoring, enforcement, and urban sustainability initiatives across the Federal Capital Territory. Oseni Rufai, a Nigerian journalist, slammed the government over the reported ₦50,000 charge on generator owners, describing it as unfair taxation on citizens forced to generate their own electricity.

Nigeria's electricity grid consistently delivers less than 5,000 megawatts to a population of over 200 million people, pushing households and businesses to depend heavily on generators. The policy's impact on Abuja residents and businesses remains to be seen, with many calling for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the city's electricity challenges.