Environment

Court Restraints Abuja Environment Board From Collecting Refuse, Sewage Levy

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2024

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has restrained the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) from imposing, levying and/or collecting sewage and refuse disposal levies from NIPCO Plc or from any person or corporate body within Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Justice Olukayode Adeniyi issued the order of perpetual injunction while delivering judgment in suit No: CV/ 3493 /2022 filed by NIPCO Plc through its lawyers, Chief Paul Obi (with Ify Ikeatuegwu), against the environmental board of the FCT, including its officers, agents, employees, preview or through anybody whatsoever.
Other reliefs granted the claimant by the court included an order declaring Section 30(4) and Section 6 (1)(a) and (b) of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act 1997 purporting to authorize or confer powers on the defendant to impose and collect levy for sewage and refuse disposable from the claimant oil company or any other persons or corporate bodies within Abuja Municipal Area Council unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
Adeniyi declared that the defendant had no legal or constitutional powers to impose any levy or fine for sewage and refuse disposal on the plaintiff or any corporate body within Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The court declared that the demand notices for the total sum of N19,400,553.36 imposed on the plaintiff by the defendant as sewage and refuse disposal levies on fines for the period 2015 to 2021 or for any period whatsoever are ultra vires the powers of the defendants and are therefore unconstitutional, null and void.
The court held that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) is the only body constitutionally empowered and authorized to impose or levy sewage and refuse disposal levies or fines on any person or corporate body in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the FCT.
Justice Adeniyi, in the judgment delivered February 21, 2024, held that the defendant as a body created by Section 1 of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act, 1997, an Act of the National Assembly, to perform the exact functions and to exercise the powers conferred on AMAC by the constitution, cannot validly and legally impose levies or fines on the plaintiff for sewage and refuse disposal.
The court declared that the provisions of s. 30(4) and s. 6(1)(a), (b)-and (c)(iv) of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board Act 1997, which are held to be in clear conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of paragraph (1)(h) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, as unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.