After Denial, Enugu Govt Stops Lister, Solar, Generator Levy

After denying its existence, the Government of Enugu State has put a stop to levy imposed on residents for using alternative energy sources amid epileptic power supply affecting businesses and private individuals in the state.

Naija News reports that the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Peter Mbah, Dan Nwomeh, on Wednesday afternoon, called reports on the levy fake news.

In his response to one of the reports, “Fake news peddler. Readers should disregard the falsehoods meant to dilute the trending news of massive developments across various sectors in the state.”

Our reporter, however, made available one of the receipts of the levy given to an Enugu-based business entity.

In the evening of Wednesday, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Alex Onyia, in a statement said the government has directed a stop to the lister, solar and generator levy.

The statement also directed the contractor collecting the levy to refund businesses and residents who have been made to pay the levy.

“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 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.

“Meanwhile, the Governor Mbah Administration remains committed to protecting the environment and addressing environmental pollution, but we must do so in a way that ensures fairness, transparency, and regard to proper regulatory preparation,” Onyia said.