Tinubu Administration Moves to Impose Noise Pollution Fees on Abuja Generator Owners
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has reportedly initiated plans to impose charges on generator owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over noise pollution, a move that is already generating controversy among residents and business operators in Abuja.
A notice issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) was recently sighted at a small business office in Zone 11, Abuja, informing occupants that fees would now be levied for noise pollution arising from the use of power-generating sets.
The notice, according to affected occupants, signals the commencement of stricter enforcement of environmental and noise control regulations within the FCT.
The development has sparked concerns, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s persistent electricity supply challenges. For many households and businesses in Abuja, generators remain the primary source of power due to frequent outages and the high cost of alternative energy solutions.
Small business owners, in particular, have expressed discontent, arguing that generators are not a luxury but a necessity for daily operations.
Traders, artisans and service providers say the proposed charges could further increase operating costs at a time when inflation, high fuel prices and weak consumer spending are already taking a toll.
“This feels like punishing people for government failure,” said a shop owner in the Garki area of Abuja. “If power supply was stable, nobody would be running generators all day.”
Critics of the policy argue that imposing taxes or fees on generator use without first addressing the underlying power supply problem is unfair and counterproductive.
They warn that the move could force some small businesses to shut down or pass additional costs on to consumers.
However, some environmental advocates have defended the policy, noting that unchecked generator use contributes significantly to noise and air pollution in the city.
They argue that the charges could encourage a gradual shift toward cleaner and quieter energy alternatives, provided the government also invests in improving electricity supply and supporting renewable energy adoption.
As of the time of reporting, the FCTA has not issued a detailed public explanation on the scope of the charges, how they will be calculated, or when full enforcement will begin.
Residents and business owners are calling for clarity, stakeholder engagement and a more comprehensive approach that balances environmental protection with economic realities.
The move comes amid broader discussions under the Tinubu administration on environmental regulation, revenue generation and urban management, but many Abuja residents insist that any such policy must be matched with tangible improvements in power infrastructure to avoid further hardship.
