Residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Reject New Television and Radio Tax
Residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have strongly opposed the enforcement of a new television and radio tax by local authorities, calling it an inhumane measure during a time of economic hardship. Many residents argue that the policy is not only untimely but also fails to consider the struggles faced by the general population.
The controversy began with the recent assent of the AMAC Radio and Television Licence By-Law (No. 19) of 2024. This law requires individuals and businesses to pay annual license fees for owning or controlling a television, radio, or similar devices. The notice of demand sent to residents demands full payment within 21 days, with failure to comply potentially leading to legal action, including court arraignment and the sealing of premises.
The Television Tax: A Breakdown
The new by-law categorizes the annual fees as follows:
- Category B (large banks and multinationals): N1,000,000 annually
- Category C (medium-sized businesses such as supermarkets, hotels, and telecom companies): Between N50,000 and N200,000
- Category D (residents in duplexes, flats, bungalows, and self-contained apartments): Between N3,500 and N20,000 per dwelling
Many residents feel this tax is an added burden, especially when they are already struggling with inflation and high living costs.
Residents Speak Out Against the Policy
Business owners and residents have voiced their discontent over the new policy. Mr. John Achungu, a business owner in the Central Business District, expressed his shock at receiving the notice. He questioned how the council could expect him to pay for the television in his office, asking what service they were providing.
Mrs. Zainab Muhammad, a food vendor in Wuse District, was classified under Category C and was threatened with the closure of her business if she did not pay. She lamented the increasing number of taxes being imposed on citizens, saying, “How many taxes are they going to collect from us?”
Ifeanyi James, another resident, argued that the tax is targeting people during a time of economic crisis. He questioned the logic of paying for radio and television services when he has already paid service providers. Samson Isah, a community leader in Jabi, described the policy as inhuman and ridiculed the idea of charging residents for using basic utilities.
Calls for Review and Suspension
Some residents have called for an immediate review or suspension of the policy. Toyin Ajayi, a public affairs analyst, urged the council to launch a public campaign explaining the necessity of the tax and how the revenue would be used. He also emphasized the need for clarity on what constitutes “electronic devices” to prevent abuse by enforcement officers.
AMAC Justifies the Tax
Despite the backlash, AMAC has defended the tax, stating it is constitutional and not a new policy. Emmanuel Inyang, the Supervisory Councillor for Special Duties, explained that the taxation on radio and television ownership has existed long before the current administration. He attributed the current enforcement to the previous consultant’s lack of activity.
Inyang assured residents that an enlightenment campaign would be launched to educate the public about the law. The Chief Revenue Officer is expected to appear on television and other media platforms to explain the policy further.
Kingsley Madaki, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the AMAC chairman, reiterated that the radio and television licence has been in place since the Micah Jiba-led administration. He emphasized that the law is supported by the 1999 Constitution and that non-compliance would result in fines.
An anonymous revenue department official promised that council officers would enforce the tax civilly, noting that the law allows them to inspect premises to verify compliance.
Legal Perspectives on TV Licensing
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter. Dayo Akinlaja SAN stated that television licensing is one of the functions of local government areas, as outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. However, he noted that the exact interpretation of the law may require judicial review.
Abu Arome Esq highlighted that the collection of rates and licensing for radio and television is the exclusive responsibility of local government councils. He stressed that higher tiers of government cannot interfere with these responsibilities.
EMD Umukoro Esq raised concerns about the relevance of outdated provisions, arguing that some laws, such as those related to traditional TVs, are no longer applicable in today’s digital age. He suggested that such provisions should be revised to avoid confusion and potential abuse.
Conclusion
As the debate continues, the residents of AMAC remain divided. While the council insists the tax is constitutional and necessary, many see it as an unnecessary burden during a period of economic uncertainty. With tensions rising, the outcome of this dispute remains to be seen.
