…Says Only AMAC Environmental Health Services Department Has Authority Over Environmental Health Certifications
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has issued a stern warning to residents and business owners within the municipality to stop making payments for environmental health services to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Public Health Department or any other unauthorized bodies.
In a press statement released today by Kingsley Madaki, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman AMAC, the Council clarified that her Environmental Health Services Department holds the exclusive legal mandate to carry out environmental health services, oversee and collect revenue on behalf of the Council.
The Council cited the 4th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which vested the sole authority for regulating social and environmental services in the Local Government.
According to the statement, existing bylaws reinforce that the AMAC Environmental Services Department is the only body legally authorized to inspect premises and issue certifications for the following:
• Sanitary Inspection (Premises inspection)
• Pest Control (Fumigation and Disinfection)
• Food & Water Related Handlers Medical Test and Training (Inspection and Certification)
• Habitation & Facility Fitness (Certifications for Continuous use)
• Cleaning and Laundry Services Permits and Training
• Car Wash Permit
• Public Convenience (Toilet) Assessment, Permit, Inspection and Certification
• Other Environmental Health Services.
Madaki reiterated that “Payments to any others person apart from AMAC designated bank account are considered Invalid”.
The Council expressed concern over reports of individuals and agencies, specifically citing those claiming to work for the FCTA Public Health Department, rendering services and collecting fees that rightfully belong to the Local Government Authority.
To combat extortion and double taxation, AMAC has implemented a Single Account policy.
The Council emphasized that any resident who pays money to the FCTA Public Health Department or any individual masquerading as an agent on their behalf is doing so at their own risk.
“Any payments made to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Public Health Department or any other organization shall be rendered invalid,” the statement read. “Such payments will not be recognized as proof of compliance, and the payer shall be liable for default.”
The Executive Chairman, through his spokesperson, urged resident to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or unauthorized persons demanding cash payments.
However, Business owners within AMAC jurisdiction are advised to demand for official identification from anyone claiming to be an inspector or agent of the Council before dealing with them.
AMAC maintains that all legitimate transactions must be paid into the authorized Council revenue accounts to ensure the funds are used for the maintenance and safety of the municipality.
Furthermore, the Council warned that the newly established AMAC Environmental Cadet officials will leave no stone unturned.
The cadets are set to carry out full-scale routine enforcement exercises, and strict penalties shall be applied to defaulters.
