The governments of Enugu and Imo states have begun imposing fines on residents who use alternative energy sources like solar power and generators, citing concerns over “environmental unfriendly activities” and “carbon emissions.”
In a notice issued by the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, residents were warned that using power sources other than the national grid violates several sections of the state’s environmental laws. One resident was specifically notified on August 28 that they had breached Sections 124, 125, 126, 127, and 128 of the law due to the use of alternative power supplies, such as solar energy, which the ministry claims contributes to carbon emissions.
The ministry ordered the resident to pay a fine of ₦88,000 within seven days and directed them to comply with the state’s environmental regulations. The payment was to be made to an account linked to Paskay Global Ventures, with a warning that failure to comply would result in legal action.
Similarly, the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (Imo ENTRACO) fined Nneoha Bakery ₦2 million for various environmental violations, including the emission of toxic fumes, noise pollution, and unauthorized disposal of waste. The fine was described as an accumulation of penalties over three years, from 2022 to 2024. The bakery was instructed to pay the fine into the Imo State Government Treasury Single Account (IMGTSA) within seven days or face prosecution.
This crackdown comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with unreliable electricity supply, which has forced many residents and businesses to rely on generators and solar energy for their daily needs.
Source: Peoples Gazette.
