AMAC Warns Against Unauthorised Environmental Health Charges

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has warned residents and business owners within the municipality to desist from making payments for environmental health services to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Public Health Department or any other unauthorised bodies.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman, Mr. Kingsley Madaki, the council clarified that the AMAC Environmental Health Services Department is the only authority legally empowered to conduct environmental health services, inspections and revenue collection within the council area.

Madaki cited the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which vests the regulation of social and environmental services exclusively in local governments.

He said existing AMAC bylaws further reinforce the department’s sole mandate to inspect premises and issue certifications covering sanitary inspections, fumigation and disinfection, food and water handlers’ medical tests and training, habitation and facility fitness certification, cleaning and laundry permits, car wash permits, public convenience inspections and other environmental health services.

“Payments made to any person or organisation outside AMAC’s designated revenue accounts are invalid and will not be recognised,” Madaki stated.

The council expressed concern over reports of individuals and agencies—particularly those claiming to operate under the FCTA Public Health Department—who allegedly render services and collect fees meant for the local government.

To address extortion and double taxation, AMAC said it has adopted a single-account payment policy, stressing that any payments made to unauthorised bodies would not serve as proof of compliance.

“Any resident or business owner who pays money to the FCTA Public Health Department or to impostors does so at their own risk, as such payments will be rendered invalid and the payer held liable for default,” the statement warned.

The council urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while advising business owners to demand proper identification from anyone claiming to be an AMAC inspector or agent.

AMAC also disclosed that its newly established Environmental Cadet officials will commence full-scale routine enforcement across the municipality, with strict penalties awaiting defaulters.

According to the council, all legitimate payments must be made directly into authorised AMAC revenue accounts to ensure transparency, public safety and effective service delivery.