The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reportedly unveiled plans to introduce charges for generator-related noise pollution in Abuja, sparking concern among residents and business owners across the city.
A notice sighted at a commercial premises in Zone 11 of the Federal Capital Territory suggests that the administration is moving toward regulating noise levels generated by private power sources, particularly electricity generators commonly used during power outages.
The proposed measure has drawn mixed reactions, with many residents arguing that generators remain essential due to unreliable public electricity supply. Small business owners, in particular, fear the policy could place an additional financial burden on their operations.
“For many of us, generators are not a luxury but a necessity,” said Chinedu Okafor, a trader operating in Abuja’s city centre. “When power supply is unpredictable, penalising people for trying to keep their businesses running feels unjust.”
Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on small and medium-sized enterprises, which rely heavily on generators to maintain daily activities. Critics argue that the policy appears to focus on taxing users rather than addressing the underlying issue of unstable power supply.
As of now, the FCTA has not provided detailed information on how the noise fees would be assessed, monitored, or enforced, leaving residents uncertain about what to expect.
Environmental groups have acknowledged that noise pollution poses genuine health and environmental challenges.
However, they stress that any regulatory framework should take into account the realities faced by citizens who depend on generators for survival.
Also Read: Doris Ogala Releases Nude Photo Of Pastor Chris Okafor, Threatens To Drop Full Video
Some residents are urging the government to consider alternative approaches, such as promoting renewable energy solutions or offering incentives for quieter and cleaner power options, before fully rolling out the proposed charges.
