Enugu govt suspends industrial gas emission levy, terminates contract

The Enugu State Government has clarified its position on the collection of industrial gas emission levy by consultants to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, noting that the exercise had, since August 29, been suspended, while the consultancy has been terminated.

It also clarified that Governor Peter Mbah directed the refund of such levy collected, noting that the said consultants exceeded their brief.

It also described the reports in a section of the media alleging that the state government had introduced fines for the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, as false, stressing that the state government’s legislative and policy directions, on the contrary, favour all renewable and green energy sources, as they are environmentally friendly.

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.”