A fresh controversy has erupted in the Federal Capital Territory as the Global Integrity Crusade Network has accused authorities of regulatory overreach, multiple taxation and questionable contracting in the administration of environmental health services in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The group, at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, said the situation has degenerated into what it described as a “deepening institutional crisis” between the Federal Capital Territory Administration and AMAC.
Addressing journalists, GICN President, Edward Omaga, alleged that the conflict, which began as an administrative overlap, has now escalated into a legal battle with far-reaching implications for residents and businesses.
Omaga argued that under the 1999 Constitution, local governments such as AMAC are empowered to regulate environmental sanitation and collect related levies.
He, however, accused the FCTA, through its Public Health Department and in collaboration with a private firm, Nabuyar Environmental Consultants Nigeria Ltd, of imposing parallel compliance demands.
According to him, the development has forced businesses to pay duplicate fees for the same services.
Citing an example, Omaga said an affiliate of the group, Graylaw Practice Limited Partnership, paid ₦50,000 to AMAC and obtained a certificate of fitness for 2025 but was later issued a separate demand notice by Nabuyar requesting an additional ₦250,000.
He described the demand as “regulatory oppression” and called for its immediate halt.
The group also questioned the legitimacy of Nabuyar Environmental Consultants, alleging that records from the Corporate Affairs Commission indicate the firm is inactive.
It further claimed that the individual representing the company, Dr Obinatu Remigius, is neither a director nor shareholder of the firm.
Omaga disclosed that a Freedom of Information request had been submitted to the Bureau of Public Procurement to ascertain whether due process was followed in awarding the consultancy contract.
He added that the dispute has already resulted in multiple prosecutions at Magistrate Courts in Abuja, which the group described as coercive and premature given the unresolved jurisdictional issues between AMAC and the FCTA.
The GICN also referenced a March 2026 court ruling, noting that it has further complicated claims of exclusive regulatory authority by the FCTA.
The group called on the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene and convene stakeholders to resolve the matter.
It also urged the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria to clearly define the agency responsible for environmental regulation within AMAC.
In addition, the group called for the suspension of ongoing prosecutions and urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the activities of the private consultant.
Omaga warned that failure to address the issue could trigger protests, citing recent demonstrations by private school operators in Abuja over similar complaints.
He said the group was prepared to stage peaceful protests at key government institutions, including the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Environment, to demand accountability.
The organisation also cautioned against the use of laws such as the Cybercrimes Act to suppress dissent.
“As civil society actors, we will not be intimidated. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must ensure fairness, legality and justice in governance,” Omaga said.
The dispute highlights growing tensions over regulatory authority in the FCT, raising concerns about its potential impact on businesses and public trust in government institutions.
