Enugu  Clarifies Position on Industrial Gas Emission Levy

Gideon Arinze in Enugu 

The Enugu State Government has clarified its position on the reports over the collection of industrial gas emission levy by consultants to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The government was reacting to reports making the rounds that government had introduced fines for the use of renewable energy sources such as solar.

In its reaction, via a public notice signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and made available to newsmen yesterday, the government noted that the exercise had since been suspended on August 29, 2024, and the consultancy terminated with immediate effect.

It also clarified that the state governor, Mr. Peter Mbah, equally directed the refund of any such levy so collected, noting that the said consultants exceeded their brief.

The government explained that whereas the Ministry acted within its powers, given the provisions of Section 4 (2) and Section 124 of the Enugu State Environmental and Climate Protection Law, 2024, which covers the enforcement of environmental laws, as well as Section 125 of the Law, which prescribes fines for “obnoxious gaseous emissions into the environment.” 

“Such levies and enforcements were premature as the necessary groundwork and infrastructure were still being put in place.

“Recent reports have highlighted the collection of levies on alternative energy sources by consultants engaged by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change,” the government said. 

“After reviewing the matter, he directed the immediate cessation of this levy collection process and the termination of the consultancy effective Thursday, August 29, 2024.”

The government noted that it was 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.