2 months ago
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The Enugu State Government has clarified its position on the collection of industrial gas emission levies by consultants to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
The government said the exercise was suspended on August 29, 2024, and consultancy terminated with immediate effect, while Governor Peter Mbah had directed a refund of any collected levies.
The government said while the ministry acted within its powers, given the provisions of the Enugu State Environmental and Climate Protection Law, 2024, the levies and enforcements were premature, as the necessary groundwork and infrastructure were still being established.
The clarification was contained in a notice signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, and released to journalists in Enugu, on Wednesday.
The notice stated that the consultants exceeded their brief.
The government also denied reports alleging that it had introduced fines for the use of renewable energy sources like solar power, stressing that its legislative and policy initiatives supported all renewable and green energy sources due to their environmental benefits.
A report in the media (not The PUNCH) stated that the Enugu State government was issuing fines to residents for using alternative energy sources to power facilities, citing “environmental unfriendly activities” and “carbon emission.”
The report quoted the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as saying that alternative sources of power, aside from the one generated by the nation’s power company, contravened multiple sections of the environmental law and carried a fine.
“You are hereby notified of your contravention of the law, particularly, Sections 124, 125, 126, 127 and 128 by your environmentally unfriendly activities which include the use of alternative power supply (Lutec) in your facility which contributes to carbon emission in the environment,” the ministry stated in a notice to an Enugu resident on August 28.
It added, “Consequently, notice is given to you within seven days to comply with the state ministry of environment and climate change, Enugu and in addition, pay the contravention fine of N88,000.”
While denying the report, the government assured the people that it was developing a comprehensive climate policy to promote business and industrial activities while fostering clean innovation and sustainable practices.
“Recent reports have highlighted the collection of levies on alternative energy sources by consultants engaged by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
“After reviewing the matter, he (Governor Mbah) directed the immediate cessation of this levy collection process and the termination of the consultancy effective Thursday, August 29, 2024.
“Furthermore, the governor has directed that any levies that have already been collected must be refunded to the payers without delay.
“While it is important to note that the Environmental and Climate Protection Law of Enugu State empowers the Ministry to enforce regulations aimed at reducing emissions of toxic gases, the necessary groundwork for the full implementation of these provisions is not yet complete.
“The government is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive climate policy, which will outline a balanced framework for promoting business and industrial activities while fostering clean innovation and sustainable practices across the state,” the statement read.
